Larissa's Game of Thrones (Larissa) novel Chapter 120

Like mother, like son. They both reveled in trampling on his dignity.

Haskell continued, his voice laced with mock curiosity. "Dad, you're so reluctant to kick Valeria out. Could it be... that she's actually your real daughter?"

The question struck a nerve. Thatch’s heart seized with panic, and he immediately glared to mask his turmoil. "Haskell, what nonsense are you spouting!"

Seeing his father's volatile reaction, Haskell’s deep eyes grew a few shades colder, though his smile remained perfectly composed. "It was just a joke, Dad. Don't be so angry."

Zoltan, however, cast a long, meaningful glance at Valeria, his thoughts unreadable.

Thatch knew from Haskell’s unyielding attitude that Valeria’s expulsion from the Palmer family was a foregone conclusion. Swallowing the bitter humiliation, he turned to his other son. "Draven, you were the one who brought Valeria back. Now, you can be the one to escort your sister out."

Draven looked to Haskell and made his own appeal. "Haskell, must you be so ruthless? Before I returned, Valeria was the one who stayed by my side. Without her, I might not have survived those dark days."

"This punishment is already quite lenient," Haskell mused, offering another chilling joke. "How about this? We cut out her tongue, and then I'll let her stay here with you. What do you think?"

Valeria instinctively clapped a hand over her mouth. To her, it sounded less like a joke and more like a threat—a promise of the kind of revenge Haskell was capable of enacting once she was outside the family’s protection.

Draven fell silent for a moment before giving a bitter, helpless smile. "If you've made up your mind, I understand. But it's already late. I'll take Valeria away tomorrow—"

"No," Haskell cut him off flatly. "She leaves right now. I won't be able to sleep with my anger simmering if she stays here another minute."

Thatch stared at him in disbelief. "Me? Don't tell me you intend to punish me as well!"

Haskell chuckled. "You exaggerate, Dad. No matter what, you are still my father. I would never punish you over a trivial matter like failing to discipline an adopted child. However, when Valeria was part of the Palmer family, her expenses were the same as Draven's. I never mistreated her. But now that she’s been cast out, she can no longer use a single cent of the family's money. I’m afraid you'll be too soft-hearted and secretly support her with household funds."

He paused, his smile widening. "So, from now on, you'll have to get used to a more frugal lifestyle. I will be deactivating all of your current cards. You'll receive a basic monthly allowance, and if you need anything beyond that, you will have to come to me personally with a valid reason."

Hearing this, Thatch felt his lungs would burst from sheer rage.

"Haskell, this is an insult!"