From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 133

Laurinda watched Adelaide, who looked completely lost, and held back the sarcastic comment she was about to make. Despite everything, she really did feel bad for her.

“If you don’t tell me where you want to go, how am I supposed to take you anywhere? Look at yourself right now. Honestly, I’m worried that if I take you out and something happens, I won’t be able to explain it.” Laurinda frowned, trying to figure out how to snap Adelaide out of her funk. She just wasn’t used to this side of Adelaide. Part of her even missed the feisty, argumentative version who was always ready for a fight.

“I…” Adelaide bit her lip, refusing to say where she was headed. She was too scared to reveal anything, afraid that if Laurinda knew the truth, someone she cared about might get hurt.

“I’ll pass on your ride. You can go. I’m heading home.” Without looking back, Adelaide walked away. She must have been worried Laurinda would try to stop her, because she suddenly broke into a run.

Laurinda watched her disappear, lips pressed together. She was sure now that Adelaide was hiding something, and this kind of secrecy could only mean it was about someone important. She almost wanted to ask if Adelaide had lost her mind and offer to set her up with a really good neurologist.

“Let’s go.” Laurinda decided not to mess with someone else’s choices. She got into the car with York and they left.

On the way, Laurinda asked York about some of The Austin Group’s old core projects. After some discussion, she picked one of the less important projects to propose as a partnership with The Baker Group.

When Laurinda and York reached The Baker Group’s building, Dalton was already waiting for them in the lobby. He spotted them immediately and walked over.

“Laurinda, right on time.”

Laurinda glanced at her phone. It was 3:29. Still good. “Sorry to keep you waiting, Dalton. I bumped into Adelaide on my way out and we talked for a bit, so I just barely made it. Let’s head up to Baal’s office. No sense making him wait.”

“Are you sure you want to take on this much, Baal? It’s a risky move. I don’t want The Austin Group turning into a burden for you.” Laurinda’s warning was genuine. She could see he was gambling, hoping to get her on his side.

Baal met Laurinda’s eyes with a determined look, exuding the authority of someone used to being in charge. “I never make moves I’m not confident about. I’m here today because I’m willing to take risks. The Austin Group might look like a lost cause to some people, but to me, it’s got value. I believe I can bring it back to life.”

Seeing how sure of himself he was, Laurinda knew there was no point in trying to talk him out of it.

She turned to York. “You handle the rest of the negotiations with Baal. Here’s hoping our partnership is a great one.”