Wings of Broken Time by Alina Das 236
Chapter 236
Kiernan didn’t object to the wager. In fact, he welcomed it. Competition was what the Judson family needed to move forward, to stop resting on its laurels. His granddaughter’s return was shaking things up, and he knew it would ultimately make the family stronger.
“Larissa, focus on preparing for your engagement party tomorrow,” Kiernan said before standing. Jett helped him up, and they left the East Wing.
“Okay, Grandpa! Take care!” Larissa called after him.
Josette shot her a cold look and followed Kiernan out.
“The Lincoln and Schwartz families do have some history, Larissa,” Sapphira said worriedly. “Are you absolutely sure your aunt can’t arrange that meeting?”
“Of course I am, Mom. If you don’t believe me, I’ll call Zendar right now.”
She pulled out her phone and dialed his number. A moment later, a man’s voice answered.
“Larissa! I can’t believe you’re calling me! What’s up? Are they treating you well in Regal City? Is anyone giving you trouble? The whole village is practically on its way to back you up tomorrow!”
Sapphira couldn’t help but smile. The people from Spire Village were certainly a spirited bunch.
The familiar accent made Larissa laugh. “Zendar, that’s actually why I’m calling. My aunt from the Judson family was just here giving me a hard time. She questioned whether I really know you and said her husband, Jagger, is going to arrange a meeting between you and my uncle Paxton tomorrow to talk business. Oh, by the way, my uncle is my biological father, the one I disowned. So now he’s just ‘Uncle Paxton‘.”
Zendar snorted. “I’m coming to your engagement party tomorrow, not to talk business! Who the hell is Jagger, trying to get me to do a favor for your deadbeat uncle? Don’t you worry, Larissa. I’m not meeting with anyone tomorrow but you.”
Larissa smiled, satisfied. “Great. I’ll see you at the party then, Zendar.”
“Wait… one more thing. I was busy and forgot to tell you.”
“What is it, Zendar?”
“A few days ago, someone was snooping around the village, asking questions about your past. We gave him the runaround, but I don’t know what else he might have found.”
“I understand.”
After hanging up, Larissa turned to her mother with a raised eyebrow. “See, Mom? You heard him. Zendar isn’t going to partner with Uncle Paxton.”
Sapphira relaxed, but another worry surfaced. “Larissa, I’m more concerned about what Zendar said. Someone was investigating you.”
Larissa’s expression was calm. “Don’t worry, Mom. I have a good idea of who it was, and I’ll be ready
for them.”
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10:44
Chapter 236
It had to have been a few days ago, right after her welcome party, when Leopold was facing a storm of online criticism over the dress incident. She had Nightveil keep the story trending, and Honora had fanned the flames from behind the scenes. Although Finley had paid for damage control, the situation had never fully died down. Leopold must have been furious and decided to dig up some dirt on her to unleash his own online mob.
Sapphira nodded. “Alright, then.”
That afternoon, on her way to the hospital to treat Haskell, Larissa called Nightveil,
“Nightveil, I need you to find out who was in Spire Village a few days ago investigating me. Find out who they are and what they learned. I need the information before the engagement party tomorrow?
“Yes, boss.”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.