\u00a0<\/p>\n
That evening, Haskell returned to the Palmer family estate and was immediately summoned by his father, Thatch, to the main hall. Upon entering, he saw Valeria clinging playfully to Thatch\u2019s arm, teasing him about his promise to support her. Thatch responded with a rare softness, assuring Valeria he wouldn\u2019t let her suffer unjustly. Nearby, Draven watched the interaction with a knowing smile, indulging Valeria\u2019s antics. Haskell\u2019s expression hardened slightly as he noticed the scene.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Valeria quickly announced Haskell\u2019s arrival, but the mood shifted when Thatch saw Crispin wheeling Haskell into the room. Thatch informed Haskell about an invitation from the Judson family for a welcome reception, revealing that Honora was not their real daughter and that the true heiress had recently been brought home. The Judsons had also stated that Haskell\u2019s betrothal should now be to the true heiress, not Honora, prompting Thatch to ask Haskell whether he would marry this new heiress or call off the engagement.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Valeria sharply criticized the Judsons, accusing them of disrespecting Haskell because of his disability and suggesting that Honora had simply refused to marry him, so they found a replacement. Her indignation was mixed with a sense of triumph, as she sought another confrontation with Haskell, feeling protected by his father\u2019s presence. Haskell remained calm, seeing through her act, while Draven tried to calm the situation.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
When Thatch pressed Haskell for his opinion, Haskell calmly stated that there was no need to cancel the engagement and that he was willing to marry the true Judson heiress. Valeria gasped in shock and insulted the true heiress, calling her a crude herbalist and belittling Haskell\u2019s disability. She declared that the future heir of the Palmer family would be her brother, Draven. Haskell responded steadily, pointing out that Valeria\u2019s words were insulting both him and the Judson heiress. Valeria quickly feigned innocence, claiming Haskell had become overly sensitive since his accident.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 68<\/p>\n
That evening, the moment Haskell arrived back at the grand Palmer family estate, the butler approached him with a message. His father, Thatch, wished to see him in the main hall without delay.<\/p>\n
When Haskell entered the room, he immediately noticed Valeria clinging playfully to Thatch\u2019s arm, her demeanor coy and teasing.<\/p>\n
\u201cDad, you promised you\u2019d stand up for me today,\u201d she murmured with a pout.<\/p>\n
Thatch\u2019s eyes softened with a rare warmth reserved for his daughter. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, I won\u2019t let you suffer for no reason,\u201d he assured her gently. Nearby, Draven observed the scene, a knowing smile playing on his lips, equally indulgent of Valeria\u2019s antics.<\/p>\n
Haskell\u2019s face hardened just a little, an expression of quiet resolve. Valeria was the first to spot him.<\/p>\n
\u201cDad, Haskell\u2019s back,\u201d she announced brightly.<\/p>\n
The smile faded from Thatch\u2019s face as he turned to see Crispin wheeling Haskell into the room. The atmosphere shifted slightly, the air thick with unspoken tension.<\/p>\n
\u201cDad, you wanted to see me?\u201d Haskell broke the silence, his voice steady yet calm.<\/p>\n
Thatch nodded, clearing his throat. \u201cHaskell, I received an invitation today. The Judson family is hosting a welcome reception tomorrow night. Apparently, Honora isn\u2019t their real daughter after all\u2014they recently brought home the true heiress.\u201d<\/p>\n
Haskell\u2019s reply was measured, \u201cYes, I heard about that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thatch continued, \u201cKiernan Judson came by personally this afternoon. He told me your betrothal no longer applies to Honora, but to this true Judson heiress. What are your thoughts, Haskell? Would you marry her, or should we call off the engagement?\u201d<\/p>\n
Before Haskell could respond, Valeria interjected sharply. \u201cWhat a coincidence, isn\u2019t it? Haskell\u2019s legs were crippled just last month, and now the Judsons suddenly discover a \u2018true heiress\u2019 and claim Honora\u2019s a fake. Don\u2019t you think Honora just didn\u2019t want to marry him, so they found a replacement? The Judsons are being outrageous! How dare they look down on Haskell just because he\u2019s in a wheelchair!\u201d<\/p>\n
Her voice brimmed with indignation, yet her eyes sparkled with a hidden triumph. After the last time Haskell had put her in her place, she was hungry for another confrontation. And now, with his father present, she felt untouchable.<\/p>\n
Haskell saw through her act instantly. He drummed his fingers lightly on the armrest of his wheelchair, his gaze calm and unwavering as it swept over Valeria\u2019s victorious expression.<\/p>\n
Draven sighed, pretending to be annoyed. \u201cEnough, Valeria. Don\u2019t get so worked up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Valeria pouted dramatically. \u201cBut Draven, I can\u2019t stand hearing the Judsons insult Haskell like this! It\u2019s better to just cancel the engagement altogether!\u201d<\/p>\n
Thatch turned his attention back to Haskell. \u201cWhat do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no need to cancel the engagement,\u201d Haskell replied with a serene smile. \u201cI am willing to marry the true Judson heiress.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thatch\u2019s eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion flickering across his face. \u201cAre you certain?\u201d<\/p>\n
Valeria gasped, putting on a show of shock. \u201cHaskell, I heard the \u2018true heiress\u2019 is just some crude herbalist from a backwater village. She\u2019s nothing compared to Honora. Even if you\u2019re not the man you used to be, you don\u2019t have to stoop to marrying someone like her.\u201d<\/p>\n
She deliberately jabbed at his disability, her tone dripping with contempt. \u201cA cripple like you,\u201d she sneered inwardly, \u201cdo you still think you\u2019re the celebrated prodigy everyone admired? The future heir of the Palmer family will be my brother, Draven!\u201d<\/p>\n
Haskell fixed his gaze on Valeria, steady and unyielding. \u201cValeria, your words seem to insult both the Judson heiress and me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Feigning innocence, she quickly retorted, \u201cHaskell, I didn\u2019t mean that at all! You\u2019ve just become so sensitive since your accident.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The chapter closes on a tense yet revealing family moment, where underlying tensions and unspoken resentments surface amidst the looming uncertainty of Haskell\u2019s future. Valeria\u2019s sharp words and provocative stance expose her own insecurities and ambitions, while Haskell\u2019s calm resolve highlights his strength and dignity despite his physical challenges. The interplay between them underscores the complex dynamics of pride, vulnerability, and the struggle for acceptance within the Palmer family.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Amidst the swirling doubts and shifting alliances, Haskell\u2019s willingness to embrace the unexpected betrothal offers a quiet but powerful testament to his character. His serene acceptance contrasts with the bitterness around him, suggesting a deeper resilience and a readiness to face whatever comes with grace. The chapter\u2019s emotional undercurrents remind us that true strength is not measured by physical ability but by the courage to move forward with integrity and hope.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the simmering tensions within the Palmer family, especially as Haskell\u2019s calm resolve faces the sharp barbs of Valeria\u2019s spite. The delicate balance of power and pride will be tested, with emotions running high as old wounds and new provocations collide. Readers can expect the intricate dynamics between father, children, and Draven to unravel further, revealing hidden motives and alliances.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
As the looming reception hosted by the Judsons approaches, the question of Haskell\u2019s betrothal hangs heavily in the air, stirring uncertainty and anticipation. Will Haskell\u2019s willingness to accept the true heiress be met with approval or scorn? And how will Valeria\u2019s thinly veiled hostility influence the decisions and relationships within the Palmer household? The next chapter will explore these conflicts with a mix of sharp dialogue and subtle emotional undercurrents, keeping readers eager to uncover the true intentions behind each character\u2019s actions.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u2019s breathtaking cold.<\/p>\n
Wings of Broken Time by Alina Das 68 Wings of Broken Time by Alina Das 68 Summary \u00a0 That evening, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[89],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30587","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-throne-of-thorns-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30587","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30587"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30587\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30587"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30587"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30587"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}