From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 121

Adolphus slipped his arm around Laurinda’s waist and drew her a little closer. His voice was low as he murmured, “That’s gross. Don’t even think about it.”

Laurinda scrunched her nose. “Yeah, it really is. Let’s go find something sweet to eat instead.”

She took his hand and headed toward the center of the banquet hall, weaving through the crowd. People called out to greet her, but nobody brought up what happened with the Austin family. Things were different now. No one gushed over her the way they used to, but no one tried to make trouble either. Laurinda felt more relaxed than she had in a long time.

After some strawberry cake, she leaned lazily against Adolphus, her gaze drifting across the sea of guests. “Finn actually pulled it off. When Harden brought me the invitation, he promised nobody would try to mess with me tonight, and he kept his word.”

Adolphus reached up and gently wiped a bit of cream from her lips, a soft laugh in his voice. “From now on, all those people will just look up to you.”

Laurinda shook her head, a dreamy look flickering across her face. “I don’t even want all that. I just want a normal life. Quiet, simple… that would be enough for me.”

She spoke so softly, it sounded like a wish whispered into the air. She knew it was harder to find peace than it was to keep chasing after status.

Soon the celebration officially started. Finn walked out to applause, Harden by his side. People whispered, trying to figure out who Harden was, and some wondered where Fabian had gone. Lately, Finn took this new guy everywhere, something Fabian never got.

Adolphus’s mouth quirked into a small smile. He pulled out his phone and started typing a message.

As the party started winding down, Finn walked over with Harden and a glass of wine in hand. “Laurinda, I’m really glad you could make it tonight.”

Laurinda stood and looked at Finn, her smile polite but cool. “I was just as surprised you invited me to your celebration. I hope you and The Gates Group keep doing well.”

She picked up her tea and, before Finn could say anything else, took a slow sip. Finn watched her, knowing full well what she meant. She was shutting down the conversation with her actions. That was fine. There was plenty of time. Finn never let go of something he wanted.