Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 789

Fergus stared at Larissa's reply, his smile faltering.

This woman was just as vicious as people said online. But her defensiveness only made the challenge more interesting. It would just take a little more time, that's all. Lucius was still recovering, so he had all the time in the world.

[You seem very wary of me, Larissa. I suppose my mother really has done a lot to wrong the Judson family. On her behalf, I apologize to you and to Aunt Sapphira and Uncle Neville.]

[You don't have to worry about me seeking revenge. In a way, I should thank you for dealing with the Lincolns. My father was a womanizer; if it weren't for my mother's ruthlessness, I'd have countless half-siblings running around. And my grandmother always favored Lucius. It was Lucius who had me sent abroad to weaken my position in the family.]

[If you hadn't stood up to him, I would never have had a chance to prove myself. I'd just be another rich kid, wasting my life away.]

[Anyway, I won't disturb your rest any longer. Good night.]

…

Larissa read Fergus's message and let out a snort of derision.

Interesting. This tactic of feigned retreat felt familiar.

Oh, right. Fergus was like a male version of Honora. No wonder they both reeked of the same stench.

She didn't reply, instead placing a video call to Haskell. The moment his impossibly handsome face appeared on the screen, her first words were, "Your face is so much more pleasant to look at."

Haskell looked puzzled. "What's that about?"

"A man is trying to seduce me."

"Oh? Besides Torrin, who else would be so bold?"

"Fergus Lincoln."

Haskell seemed genuinely surprised. "Him?"

She watched as he curled his fingers and gave a silent, dry cough. "He knows you didn't give me the gift."

Haskell was completely unrepentant. "He seems to forget I'm his rival."

That reminded him—he was curious what Torrin's next move would be.

"That's why he's such an idiot," Larissa admitted.

An idiot, yes, but one with a pure heart. That's why she had rejected him so decisively, hoping he would move on and find someone better suited for him instead of wasting his time on her.

"How are things on your end? Have you placed Sire with the Palmers?" Larissa changed the subject.

Haskell smiled. "Yes, he's started his job as a gardener. I ran into him on my way in. I've already assigned someone to monitor him."

"There's so much going on," Larissa said with a stretch. "I hope we can resolve everything before our wedding."