Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 98

When Finley, Leopold, and a newly-gowned Honora returned to the party, a guest, eager to stir up more excitement, had just suggested they have a formal dance. Before Larissa could respond, Leopold had already taken charge, ordering music and clearing a space on the floor.

Sapphira and Neville hadn’t planned a dance segment, assuming Larissa wouldn’t know how and knowing Haskell couldn’t participate. But Leopold was determined to cause trouble.

After orchestrating the setup, he approached Larissa with a flourish. “Larissa, to apologize for my earlier behavior, may I have this dance?”

Larissa smiled sweetly. “No, thank you. I have no intention of forgiving you, so dancing with you would just be awkward.”

Leopold didn’t seem offended. “Oh? Is it that you don’t want to dance with me, or that you don’t know how?” He let out a soft, contemptuous laugh and walked away.

Across the floor, a line of young men had already formed to ask Honora to dance, but she politely refused them all.

“Aren’t you going to ask the new Miss Judson for a dance, bro?” Draven said, appearing before Haskell’s wheelchair.

Haskell just looked at him, his expression unreadable.

Draven feigned a sudden realization. “Oh, right. I forgot. You can’t.”

From behind the wheelchair, Larissa replied coolly, “Forgetting something like that suggests a serious lack of brain cells. You should consider donating what little you have to science.”

Draven’s smile tightened. “My apologies. That was thoughtless of me.”

Larissa shrugged. “Don’t apologize to me.”

Draven gritted his teeth, forcing another smile. “Miss Larissa, you have a very… unique sense of humor. A perfect match for my brother.”

“Of course,” Larissa said. “Otherwise, why would I be engaged to him? I could have chosen you, but given your demonstrated lack of intelligence, that would have been the real joke.”

After a moment’s hesitation, she placed her hand in his. “I’d be happy to.”

Seeing them take the floor, Larissa leaned close to Haskell again. “I don’t really want to dance, but I’m not about to let Honora steal the show at my own party.”

Haskell smiled. “Go on, then. This is your stage. Outshine her.”

Larissa took out her phone and dialed Finley’s number. Finley, who had found a quiet corner to sit in, frowned when he saw who was calling. He answered, curious.

“Tell Leopold to come ask me to dance.”

Finley’s frown deepened. He hesitated, then pushed himself up on his cane and limped over to Leopold, relaying Larissa’s message.

Leopold snorted. “I just asked her, trying to see if she could dance, and she flatly refused. What kind of game is she playing now?”