From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace novel Chapter 13

When Irvin heard there was someone his age in the house, his attention snapped away from Coco, the cat curled up in Adolphus's arms. He took the seat across from Beatrice and started peppering her with questions about his soon-to-be classmate.

No one noticed that while Beatrice was talking, someone else nearby was quietly listening in, picking up every word.

Laurinda came into the front hall with Jasper at her side. She heard Beatrice speaking about her, and the warmth in Beatrice's gentle voice was obvious.

“Grandma.”

“Oh, you’re back. Come over here.”

Beatrice waved her over with a smile. Laurinda came closer, still holding Jasper’s hand, and Beatrice squeezed Laurinda's soft fingers in hers.

“Laurinda, let me introduce you. This is Irvin, the grandson of one of my dear friends. The young man playing chess with your grandpa is Adolphus, the youngest son of another friend. They both just arrived from Cabinda. Irvin is transferring to your school, so he can look out for you.”

To Beatrice, Laurinda was still a delicate, cherished girl. She’d always been well protected as an Austin, but now that tie was gone. Beatrice couldn’t help but worry that people would take advantage, so knowing someone would be by her side gave her some peace of mind.

Laurinda caught on right away, and she gave Irvin a friendly nod and a little laugh. “Grandma, you’re putting him on the spot. We just met, and you’re already asking him to take care of me. Don’t you think that’s a bit much? I’ve been at that school forever. Do you really think I’m going to get bullied? You don’t have to worry so much.”

Larson, her grandfather, jumped in with a grin. “Exactly. Who would dare mess with Laurinda? If anyone tries, just give me a call. I might not have a lot of power, but I can still throw my weight around if I need to.”

Laurinda burst out laughing at that. The brightness in her smile made Irvin and Adolphus both go a little quiet, each of them thinking to themselves that she really was stunning.

After lunch, Laurinda was upstairs unpacking when the butler called her back to the front hall. The first thing she saw was Coco, curled up and completely at ease on Adolphus’s lap. Laurinda frowned a little. Coco wasn’t usually this clingy, not even with her. Something felt off.

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