Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 873

Zoltan sighed. “After all this, believe it or not, I just want you to know the truth, Haskell. Your mother’s death was indirectly caused by my decision to send your brother away, but I would never have intentionally harmed her. You can resent me, hate me, I don’t care. But I want you to lead the Palmer family to even greater heights.”

“I’m an old man. I don’t have many years left. I never thought Fraser and Solomon’s ambition would run so deep that they’d be willing to sacrifice my life for the inheritance. If that’s the case, then so be it. If sacrificing myself is what it takes to secure your position and extinguish their ambitions for good, then it’s a price I’m willing to pay.”

In the current situation, unless the family was handed over to one of the other branches, Solomon and Fraser’s households would never back down.

As he thought about this, Zoltan felt a pang of sympathy for his eldest grandson. Fraser and Solomon at least had parents and siblings to support them. But Haskell? He was fighting this battle all alone.

His brother was a fake, and his real brother was missing. His own father, Thatch Palmer, was not only useless but a dead weight, more likely to stab Haskell in the back than offer any help.

But at least… now he had Larissa.

That girl was formidable, capable, and fiercely loyal. His grandson meeting her was like using up a lifetime of luck in one go.

Zoltan pulled himself from his thoughts and spoke with renewed gravity. “Haskell, since you’ve been honest with me, if you still trust me, I will do as you wish. I’ll continue to play my part in this little drama—a drama that will force Solomon and Fraser’s families to abandon their fight for the inheritance once and for all.”

Haskell countered, “It should be you who trusts me, Grandpa. One misstep could put your life in very real danger.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Zoltan said. “I’m actually curious to see if my two darling grandsons truly see me as nothing more than a pawn, willing to kill me for power.”

“I will protect you, Grandpa,” Haskell assured him.

After a moment of silence, Zoltan said, “I heard your legs are recovering.”

Haskell nodded. “Yes. I can manage a few steps.”

A glint appeared in Haskell’s eyes. He nodded. “Understood.”

After leaving the study, Haskell found the butler and asked where Sire was.

“Sire is currently in the library archive,” the butler informed him.

“I see.”

Haskell, accompanied by Crispin, made his way there. He found Sire on the second floor among the classic literature, trimming a potted plant.

“Sire,” Haskell called out gently.