Larissa's Game of Thrones (Larissa) novel Chapter 137

The receptionist was taken aback by Crispin’s sharp tone. She looked at Haskell again, taking in the wheelchair, and a recent office rumor clicked into place. The company was on the verge of a major shift. The brilliant Haskell Palmer, now crippled, was about to be stripped of his position by the board, with the new Mr. Palmer—Draven—taking his place.

Every new employee had heard the whispers. This man, then, must be the former president, the one on his way out.

She had to admit, even in a wheelchair, he possessed an undeniable air of nobility. It was easy to see how he had once been a titan of the business world. But no matter how great he had been, he was now a cripple, rumored to be unable to have children.

Her professional smile remained fixed. “I apologize, sir, I’m new here. The HR director who hired me was very specific: Mr. Draven Palmer is our president.”

Crispin let out a cold laugh. “It’s only been a month, and Draven is already trying to stage a coup.”

Haskell’s expression remained unreadable.

“I really can’t let you go up without authorization,” the receptionist insisted. “Perhaps you could wait in the lounge? I can inform Mr. Palmer when his meeting is over.”

“Wait?” Crispin sneered. “In this company, people wait for him. The nerve of Draven. Call him right now and tell him to come down and greet his brother.”

“I can try,” the receptionist said, unable to refuse. She returned to her desk and dialed Draven’s extension. This time, the call was answered.

Remembering how Draven had instantly rejected his own call, Haskell let out a silent, humorless laugh. His brother was impatient, far too eager to show his hand.

“Yes, Mr. Palmer,” the receptionist was saying. “There’s a gentleman in a wheelchair downstairs who says he needs to see you… The meeting isn’t over? Another half hour? You want him to wait? Okay… I understand.”

She hung up and turned back to Haskell and Crispin, her apology sounding rehearsed. “Mr. Palmer says his meeting will last another thirty minutes. He asks that you please wait in the lounge.”

…

After leaving the auction house, Larissa checked the time. Not quite ten o’clock. She got into her car and dialed Haskell’s number.

He answered almost immediately.

“Haskell. What time is our session today?”

A low chuckle came from the other end. “We can start now. I was going to drop by the office, but after a month away, it seems I’ve been barred from my own company.”