Larissa's Game of Thrones (Larissa) novel Chapter 162

Thatch’s eyes blazed with defiance. “Is that so? You think so little of me, of your own brother?”

“In our world, without real power, you can’t expect respect,” Haskell said with a mocking smile. “Even as Grandpa’s own son, when you were a nobody, did he ever look at you with respect? Did any of the other powerful families in this city give you the time of day?”

The words struck a nerve, and Thatch’s rage boiled over. “Yes, you’re the powerful one! But don’t forget, no matter how powerful you are, you’re still my son! Without me, you wouldn’t even exist!”

Haskell remained unmoved. “Thatch, you would do well to behave yourself. For the sake of you being my father, I can still guarantee you a comfortable retirement. But if you continue to push your luck, don’t blame me for forgetting the bonds of family and cutting you off completely.”

With that final, chilling declaration, Haskell signaled for Crispin to wheel him away, leaving Thatch standing alone in the wrecked hall.

Thatch watched him go, trembling with fury. He kicked the overturned table again.

“We’ll see about that,” he thought. “I’ll show you. My son Draven and I will take your place. We’ll show you what a cripple is worth.”

…

Back in his room, Haskell dismissed Crispin and sat in his wheelchair in silence for a long ten minutes, processing the bitter sting of his family’s betrayal. Finally, the pain subsided, and he took out his phone to message Larissa.

Just then, a message from her popped up.

[Haskell, how did your deadbeat dad react to you dealing with Valeria and Draven?]

A smile erased the last traces of pain from Haskell’s face.

[He was furious. A shame he didn’t just drop dead from a heart attack. It would save me the trouble of having to disown him later.]

Larissa’s reply was almost instantaneous.

She knew exactly what that meant. Wasn't this equivalent to the saying "shooting oneself in the foot"?

[You have a surprisingly dark sense of humor, Haskell.]

[I aim to please. I’m just practicing so you don’t find me boring later on.]

[No need. Just take care of that handsome face and stay in shape. I could stare at you all day without you saying a word and be perfectly happy.]

Shoved away by both Shadow and Snowy, Sage slithered onto Larissa’s hand for protection. Without looking, Larissa simply picked up the other two snakes and moved them aside. Sage immediately popped its head back up, flicking its tongue at them triumphantly. Its victory was short-lived, however, as Larissa picked it up too and deposited it next to the others.

Sage froze.