Larissa's Game of Thrones (Larissa) novel Chapter 432

"That's right," Larissa said. "There's no need for now. Replacements for the staff who left will be arriving next Monday."

"...I see." Ursa paused again, then ventured, "Ms. Judson, have you seen the trending topics online?"

Larissa leaned back in her chair, away from the monitor. "Which one? The bait-and-switch from last night that claimed I was Jagger's sugar baby but was actually about Lucius and Jagger, or the one about me and Leopold?"

"...The one about you and Leopold," Ursa clarified.

"I saw it. What about it?"

Ursa chose her words carefully. "I was thinking... the publicity around you and Leopold is at an all-time high right now. If you were to forgive him, and perhaps even follow his fans' suggestion to form a sibling duo, it could have an incredible impact. It might be a way for Starlight Media to quickly recover from this crisis."

"Not interested," Larissa replied without a second thought.

Ursa looked like she wanted to say more but held her tongue.

The conversation, however, gave Larissa an idea. "There's only a video of my performance from the welcome banquet circulating online. I want to capitalize on this attention and officially release the song under my own name. It will generate buzz for me as the new head of Starlight and increase the company's visibility. Please arrange for the recording, release, and promotion."

Ursa's eyes widened in surprise, then she nodded. "Of course."

After a moment, she asked tentatively, "Will you be recording it yourself, Ms. Judson?"

Larissa smiled. "Why not? I wrote the song. Why should Leopold get the credit?"

Ursa understood perfectly. "I'll arrange it immediately!"

Before leaving for lunch, Larissa posted again: [That's hilarious. Why would I help someone who tried to hurt me become a superstar so he can 'protect' me? I'd rather see him never get back on his feet again. If you're a true music lover, you can look forward to my debut album, released under my own name!]

She then edited her Twitter bio to read: [CEO of Starlight Media & Singer-Songwriter].

Her uncompromising response finally pushed Leopold's fans over the edge. Vicious comments began to pour in under her latest post.

[Why are you so petty? We told you Leopold was manipulated by that evil adopted sister! It was a mistake, he didn't mean it! Why do you have to hold on to it? Are you that heartless that you'd throw away your own family?]

[You deserved to be misunderstood by him! If you were as considerate and kind as his adopted sister, he never would have targeted you!]

[Leopold has humbled himself so much for you. You're just some girl from the countryside, what do you have to be so arrogant about? He's offering you a way out. If you have any sense, you'll take it and forgive him!]