From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace novel Chapter 104

“Laurinda, I just don’t see what’s so special about the Austin Group that everyone’s fighting over it.”

Sam wondered if he’d missed something important when he’d been dealing with their affairs. Not wanting to mess anything up, he spoke up right away.

“There used to be something. But by the time I left the Austin family, all the special assets were already gone.”

Laurinda didn’t explain what those “special assets” were supposed to be, and since both Adolphus and Sam were sharp, neither of them pressed her for more.

“If you ever need a hand with anything, just let me know,” Adolphus said quietly, tapping Laurinda’s forehead with his fingertip. He really couldn’t stand seeing her frown.

Laurinda caught his finger and pulled his hand down, giving him a playful look. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

“To get you to marry me,” Adolphus replied, his voice warm with a soft laugh. He wasn’t trying to hide what he felt anymore. He wanted Laurinda to see what was in his heart.

“In your dreams. Don’t even think about my... inheritance.”

Sam burst out laughing at their banter. But then, out of nowhere, he felt a chill and reached out just in time to catch a spoon flying at him. He clutched his chest, pretending to be terrified.

“Sorry, Adolphus, I just couldn’t help myself...”

“Go laugh somewhere else.”

***

After lunch, Laurinda kicked back in a rocking chair, scrolling through her phone. “I should head back to school. The citywide exams start tomorrow.”

Adolphus, busy peeling an orange, paused and turned to look at her. His face was a mix of concern and something he couldn’t quite put into words.

“You sure you want to take those exams with a hand that can’t even write properly?”

“What’s that supposed to mean? Are you saying I can’t do it?”

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