Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 788

"The Lincolns kept the story quiet," Neville explained, "but I heard that the girl who killed herself did it because of Fergus."

"What?!" Sapphira was stunned.

Neville continued, "She fell in love with him."

"But that's incest…" Sapphira trailed off, the horrifying reason for the girl's suicide suddenly clicking into place.

Neville's next words confirmed her fears. "Exactly. It was a taboo, a disgrace to the Lincoln family. The poor girl couldn't bear the gossip and Fergus's cold indifference, and she eventually had a breakdown and took her own life."

He paused, his expression grim. "The family blamed her, but the truth is, Fergus was the one who initiated it. Then he simply walked away, leaving her to face the consequences alone."

Sapphira looked at Larissa with alarm. "Neville, are you saying Fergus plans to use the same tactic on Larissa?"

"It's highly likely," Neville affirmed.

Larissa, however, remained perfectly calm. "I know," she said with a smile.

"You know?" Neville was taken aback. He knew his daughter was resourceful, but he hadn't expected her to be aware of the Lincolns’ darkest secrets.

Larissa picked up her knife and fork. "And that sob story about his injuries? It's a self-inflicted ploy for sympathy, staged just for me."

Sapphira gasped. "He did that to himself… If he can be that ruthless to himself, I can't imagine what he's capable of doing to others…"

Larissa sliced a piece of braised beef, her smile radiant. "Don't worry, Dad. Fergus wants to play mind games? I'm going to show him what it feels like to have his spirit utterly broken."

…

After settling into the west wing villa, Fergus stood by the window, gazing at the brightly lit east wing in the distance.

[I saw you in the garden earlier, Larissa. Were you planting rare herbs?]

[I've heard all about you. You're a brilliant healer, and you grow the rare herbs for Regal City's biggest auction house.]

Was that it? Empty flattery? It might work on someone insecure or starved for affection.

Larissa typed back a reply.

[I've heard about you, too. They say you're cursed. All your girlfriends end up dead.]

[I think you're not just a curse on your girlfriends, but on your family too. The Lincolns are on the verge of collapse, thanks to you.]

[But don't worry. You still have some Judson blood. Once the Lincolns are gone, if you behave and don't end up arrogant like your mother, I might be merciful enough to let you change your last name to Judson. I could even spare a few scraps from my table and a place for you to sleep.]