From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 144

When Irvin heard York was coming, he quickly packed away the vial he’d been working with and dragged a chair over to sit down. Through the window, he caught a glimpse of Foley rushing around outside, looking as busy as ever.

He turned to Laurinda and asked, “Wasn’t Adolphus’s family dinner supposed to be over by now? Why isn’t he back yet?”

“He said he’ll be back around the thirtieth. He’s got some things to sort out,” Laurinda replied, barely glancing up. Her attention was still locked on the carefully packed vial, like it was some kind of treasure.

Irvin frowned. “It’s taking that long? You don’t think he’s run into trouble, right? Want me to check around for you?”

He had heard Cabinda had been a mess lately. Was Adolphus caught up in all that? It didn’t add up. The Lane family elders adored Adolphus. There was no way they’d let him get pushed around, or force him into anything he hated.

Laurinda shook her head. “No need. He said it’s not family stuff, just something personal. But you know people in Cabinda. Have you heard anything about Aileen? That scandal was everywhere. Did Bagot seriously just accept it?”

Exposing Aileen’s private life had been a move to ruin her and shake up the Charles and Gates families. Laurinda hadn’t heard any follow-up, and honestly, she was getting impatient.

Irvin’s lips twitched. “Funny you ask, actually. I did hear some things. Bagot’s got a thick skin. He didn’t divorce Aileen. Instead, he came out himself to say all those photos online were fake, that someone was trying to set her up.”

“My sister is the perfect example. The Main family needed a marriage alliance, so she was forced to be with Sam. When they broke up, my grandfather just found her someone else. She didn’t even get to say no.”

Irvin’s smile turned bitter. He could never understand why the older generation didn’t just work to make the family stronger and protect their kids. Instead, they forced their children to sacrifice their own happiness for the family’s status. It was twisted.

Laurinda reached out and patted his shoulder. “Then you’ve got to make yourself stronger. When you’re strong enough, you can protect the people you care about. When you’re on top, you get a real say in your own life. That’s how you break free.”

Irvin nodded. “I will, Laurinda. I know Adolphus cares about you a lot, but be careful, okay? There are plenty of people in the Lane family who don’t want him to do well. I just hope you always stay true to yourself.”