From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 116

“The James family only lost everything because they were too honest for their own good. They just couldn’t play as dirty as the Charles family.”

“Laurinda, the way Harden looks at you is off. And with Bagot possibly showing up too, I really think you should skip tonight’s banquet.”

Irvin watched Laurinda with genuine concern. He knew she could handle herself, but he just didn’t see the point in mixing with people who would stab you in the back the second you let your guard down.

Laurinda understood what Irvin was getting at. Instead of replying, she asked quietly, “Between the Charles family’s third son and Adolphus, who do you think is tougher?”

The second Laurinda made that comparison, Irvin’s expression changed. For the first time ever, he actually raised his voice at her.

“Laurinda, don’t lump Adolphus in with people like that. Just saying it is an insult to him. The Charles family might have clawed their way into Cabinda’s big leagues, but the Lane family will always be out of their reach.”

“Honestly, it’s only because Len has rocks in his head that he married Ms. Charles. Otherwise, there’s no way the Charles family could ever be connected to the Lanes.”

Irvin kept ranting about the difference between the two families, completely oblivious to the fact that they’d reached the infirmary. He only stopped when he walked straight into someone.

He and Sam ended up staring at each other. Sam gave Irvin a look, almost like he was scolding a child.

“What’s got you so fired up?”

The second Irvin saw Sam, whatever simmering annoyance he felt turned into full-blown irritation.

“I’m talking about your future wife’s family. You and that woman are a perfect match. You two should just be locked away together so you can’t ruin anyone else’s life.”

Sam watched as Irvin stormed past him, still fuming. He didn’t look embarrassed at all after being insulted. Instead, he turned to Laurinda with genuine confusion.

Foley rushed out of the infirmary and saw Sam on the ground. For a moment, he just stared, then yelled back inside.

“Irvin, get out here and help me drag him in!”

“I’m not doing it. I’m not helping that jerk,” Irvin shouted back from inside the room. He was determined not to lift a finger for Sam, not even if Adolphus himself asked.

A man Laurinda didn’t recognize stepped out from the infirmary and stopped in front of her, nodding politely. “Hi Laurinda, I’m Egan.”

“Hi,” Laurinda replied, giving a small nod back. She guessed he was probably another one of Adolphus’s friends, just like Sam.

After the quick introduction, Egan joined Foley and together they carried Sam into the infirmary. Laurinda followed them in, still trying not to laugh at the sight.