Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 824

But his sister, Larissa, always had a way of opening his eyes and making him feel inadequate.

…

Seeing that Damon’s expression was still dark, Fulbright said calmly, "Mr. Tyson, don't let Leopold get to you. He's just a bitter loser. Nothing he says is worth listening to."

Damon’s mood lightened slightly. "You're right, Fulbright. I trust in your star power. You won't disappoint me."

"However, Mr. Tyson," Fulbright continued, "with Gale Entertainment facing such a massive public relations crisis, my unwavering support doesn't come without conditions."

There it was. Damon knew this was coming.

"Before, Gale Entertainment was influential, and with a top-tier star like Livia cast as the female lead, I was happy to audition for ‘Soaring High’," Fulbright laid out. "But now, I'm taking a huge risk by staying on. Shouldn't there be some gesture of appreciation from your end?"

"What do you want?" Damon asked. "Name your price."

"I want to buy five percent of Gale Entertainment's shares at their current market price."

Damon was silent for a moment, then decided to go all in. "Done. I agree. But on one condition: ‘Soaring High’ has to be a resounding success and bring the company's stock price back to its previous level."

"Deal," Fulbright agreed with a nod.

…

After leaving Gale Entertainment, Leopold went straight back to his rented apartment.

The moment he walked in, he saw his mother, Vivica, sitting on the sofa, looking out the window. It was a familiar scene. In the past, she would often wait just like this in the living room for him, Finley, and their father to come home. Back then, her face was always radiant with happiness.

"After we move, I'll open my own shop to support myself. You don't need to worry about me."

This ordeal had taught her a valuable lesson: relying on anyone was useless. In the end, love depended on a conscience that offered no guarantees. For the last few decades of her life, she wanted to live for herself, on her own terms.

…

Thoughts of Leopold didn't distract Larissa for long. She quickly immersed herself back in her work.

At lunchtime, she went to the Palmer Group as usual. Just as she entered the lobby, she heard someone shouting at the front desk.

"Haskell, you despicable coward, get out here!"