Larissa's Game of Thrones (Larissa) novel Chapter 118

A psychologist, in reality, was a spy. He would monitor Haskell and use psychological manipulation to make him accept his new reality, to break his spirit and stop him from fighting back.

Valeria gloated. “See? Dad cares about you so much he hired the best therapist in the country for you. And you say he plays favorites. That’s nonsense.”

Draven’s eyes darkened slightly. “That’s enough, Valeria. Let Haskell get some rest. Things are different now. He’s injured and needs his sleep.”

Valeria stuck her tongue out. “Okay, I’ll listen to you! I won’t disturb Haskell’s rest.”

Then, she added with feigned sympathy, “Even though resting won’t make his legs better, at least when he’s asleep, he won’t have to think about it so much. It’s good for his mental health.”

Just as Haskell had said, his assistant and bodyguard, Crispin, wasn’t there. Haskell was helpless to punish her. Could he chase her down in his wheelchair? She couldn’t get physical revenge, but she could certainly twist the knife with her words. She would poke at his wounds until they bled. What could he possibly do to her now?

Draven shot his sister a look of mild exasperation and shook his head. Valeria just made a face at him, showing she didn’t care.

Haskell watched their blatant interaction, and noted that this time, his father didn’t even bother to pretend to reprimand Valeria.

“Very good,” he thought. “They’re testing my limits, seeing just how much I’ll tolerate.”

Haskell looked directly at Thatch, his voice serious. “So, you’re allowing Valeria to mock me like this, Dad?”

Zoltan stepped slowly into the doorway, his sharp gaze sweeping over the three of them.

“If I hadn’t heard it with my own ears, I would never have believed that an adopted daughter would dare to be so insolent in our home.”

Valeria started to speak, but Draven grabbed her wrist and squeezed it hard, silencing her.

Thatch looked uneasy. “Dad, it’s because Haskell spoiled her so much in the past. That’s why she’s become like this. I’ll be sure to discipline her from now on.”

Zoltan’s face was like stone. “Thatch, do you think I’m old and senile? That I’m easily fooled? An adopted girl dares to trample all over my most beloved grandson. Is this how you treat your own son, Thatch?”