Larissa's Game of Thrones (Larissa) novel Chapter 97

Haskell’s gaze darkened. “I never wanted to suspect him,” he said slowly. “There was no reason to. But now… yes, I have my doubts. I’ve already had Crispin look into it.”

He paused, his eyes flicking to a corner of the room where Torrin was sullenly drinking. “Your ex-boyfriend hasn’t taken his eyes off you since he arrived.”

Larissa glanced over. Sure enough, Torrin was staring intently in their direction. Before the breakup, he had been a poor boy in cheap clothes. Now, in a tailored suit, he looked almost handsome.

Larissa looked away, shrugging. “Let him stare. If he tries to cause a scene, I’ll have him thrown out.”

Noticing Haskell’s gaze, Torrin raised his glass in a silent, defiant toast.

A shadow passed over Haskell’s deep eyes, but he simply smiled. Ever since his accident, it seemed everyone felt they could challenge him. A newly-minted heir like Torrin now had the audacity to openly covet his fiancée.

He could wait. Let them have their moment of bravado. Soon enough, he would deal with them all.

…

After leaving the party, Honora dabbed at her eyes. “Leopold, did Dad’s slap hurt badly?”

Leopold touched his bruised mouth, his eyes burning with hatred. “It didn’t hurt at all. But I hate this! I hate that I let that country girl get the better of me again!”

“I feel so guilty,” Honora said, her voice full of despair. “You and Finley keep getting into trouble because of me. Maybe I should just give up. I’ll just learn to stay out of her way.”

“Don’t say that, Honora!” Leopold snapped. “You were the princess of this family for twenty years. I will not let Larissa come in and push you around! You don’t have to bow to her. I’m not done with her yet.”

“Oh, Leopold…” Honora sobbed.

He shook his head, trying to clear it.

What did it matter? Even if Larissa was more brilliant than Honora, it wouldn’t change how he felt. He loved Honora. They had twenty years of shared history. In his heart, she would always be his real sister.

“Finley, are you really not going back to the party?” Leopold asked, glancing at his brother’s leg.

Finley was silent for a long time. He dreaded facing people, but he knew he couldn’t hide forever. Sooner or later, everyone would find out about his leg.

Finally, he spoke, his voice cool. “I’ll go back with you after Honora changes.”

Leopold nodded. “Good. I messed up with the dress and let Honora be humiliated. It’s time we helped her make a proper comeback.”