Larissa's Game of Thrones (Larissa) novel Chapter 102

Sapphira paused before adding, “Then again, admitting she’s exceptional would be the same as admitting you were wrong, wouldn’t it?”

Vivica threw the empty pistachio shells onto the table. “What are you talking about? When did I ever say I wouldn't acknowledge her? She’s the one being stubborn, insisting on driving Honora out of the Judson family.”

Sapphira couldn’t be bothered to argue with Vivica’s twisted logic. She could already see it: the more exceptional Larissa proved to be, the deeper Vivica’s regret would become. But if Vivica and her family did come to regret it, if they begged Larissa to come back, would she even consider it?

“Sapphira, what’s on your mind?” Neville’s gentle voice broke through her thoughts.

She gave him a wry smile. “Neville, am I being selfish? As her mother, I’m terrified that one day Larissa will leave me.”

Neville chuckled softly. “You’re just worrying yourself sick. You have to trust her. Her decision to be with us wasn’t made on a whim. She knows how much you love and care for her.”

His words slowly eased her fears. He was right. Her job was to give Larissa all the support she needed, to make up for twenty years of lost maternal love, not to chain her to their side.

Meanwhile, a sense of unease began to creep over Paxton. Could it be that Larissa’s threat to ruin their family business wasn’t just an empty boast?

And there was something else.

“What’s wrong with Finley’s right foot?” he asked Vivica. He’d been so busy with the pharmaceutical company for the past two days that he hadn’t been home. It was only now, seeing Finley at the gala, that he noticed his son was walking with a limp.

Vivica tossed another shell aside. “I have no idea. He won’t say a word, no matter how many times we ask.”

Paxton frowned. Ever since his biological daughter had refused to acknowledge them, choosing Neville and Sapphira instead, their complete control over the Judson family fortune had become uncertain. He couldn't afford any complications at such a critical juncture. He would have to have a serious talk with his eldest son tonight about how things were going over at Starlight Media.

…

What?!

Watching her walk away without a backward glance, Leopold felt a surge of rage so intense he thought he might choke on it. That wildcat had just used him to show off!

Fuming, he stalked back to his table and slumped into the chair next to Finley. “Finley, you won’t believe what she just said to me! She called me weak! She looked down on me!”

Finley’s eyes followed Larissa as she headed toward Haskell’s table. For some reason, he could perfectly imagine the exact tone she’d used to call Leopold weak, and a smile tugged at his lips.

In fact, he let out a soft chuckle.

When he realized what he’d done, Leopold was already staring at him in disbelief. “Finley, Larissa just completely humiliated me, and you’re laughing?”