From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 106

“I’ve told you a hundred times already. I don’t have what you want, so stop wasting your time on me.”

Baal watched their faces twist in frustration. He flashed a sly, almost mocking smile that only made them angrier. Without another word, they stomped out of the office.

As soon as the room was clear, Baal’s assistant came in and set a folder down on his desk.

“Baal, Finn is celebrating today. He’s organized a dinner and wants to invite you.”

“Tell him no. I made a promise to myself, I’m never sharing a table with Finn. There’s nothing between us but bad blood. That’s never going to change.”

“Got it. I’ll let them know.”

Baal signed the document, handed it back to his assistant, and said quietly, “Have someone keep an eye on the Gates family. If they make a move on Laurinda, I want to know right away.”

“Understood. I’ll take care of it.”

The assistant didn’t really get why Baal was so invested, but he was a pro, so he didn’t ask questions. He just got to work.

With the office quiet again, Baal pulled out an old photo from his drawer. It was a faded picture, just someone’s back. He traced it gently with his finger, his voice low and rough. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep her safe, no matter what.”

***

After talking things over with York, Laurinda finally made up her mind. She’d work with the Baker family. York had broken it down for her—maybe they couldn’t tell yet if the Baker family was a friend or foe, but one thing was clear: the Bakers and the Gates were enemies.

Adolphus wasn’t surprised. He’d done his homework on the Bakers. Their connections overseas weren’t complicated and they didn’t pose a threat to Laurinda. It was a solid choice.

“Well, if you’re done stressing, come eat. Irvin brought you that spicy chicken you love from the cafeteria. But you have to promise not to go overboard.”

The moment she heard “spicy chicken,” Laurinda perked up. She jumped off the sofa, slipped on her shoes, and hurried out of the room.

Adolphus watched her leave, warmth in his eyes. He tidied up the blanket she’d left behind and put her electronics neatly into her backpack.

Irvin spotted Laurinda right away and went straight to check her hand. He still beat himself up for not inventing some miracle healing potion back when they were in the lab.

“Laurinda, let me see your hand. How’s it doing? Adolphus said you can write again, but don’t push yourself, okay? You still need to be careful. I already called my mom and asked her to help find you some special scar treatment. Don’t worry, we’re not going to let you end up with a scar.”