From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 146

“What’s the matter? Couldn’t get money so now you’re trying to rob me? Do you even realize what you’re doing? The second you picked up that knife, it stopped being a joke. You’re committing a crime.”

Hearing the word “crime,” Bella’s hands shook even harder. Suddenly, she spun the knife around and aimed it at herself.

“Fine, then. If you won’t give me the money, I’ll just kill myself right here. I’ll make sure everyone at school knows you drove your own aunt to her death. Let’s see how you live with that.”

She pressed the blade to her own neck. Whether she was actually serious or just panicking, a thin red line appeared where the knife touched her skin.

Laurinda narrowed her eyes and glanced up at the security camera in the corner, wondering why no one from security had shown up yet.

A shrill scream erupted from behind her before she could figure out what to do next. Laurinda turned and saw the teacher from the next class standing outside the office, frozen with terror.

Laurinda pointed to the teacher, whose face had gone pale. “Look at what you’re doing. You’re scaring the teachers now. Put the knife down. If you keep this up, the security guards will come and you’ll end up at the police station.”

“No. I’m not threatening you. I can kill myself if I want. Laurinda, you’re not even Florrie’s real daughter. What right do you have to her inheritance? Give me back Florrie’s money.”

With an audience watching now, Bella’s performance kicked into high gear. She acted like she didn’t even feel the pain, gripping the knife tighter until blood trickled down her neck.

Before, when there was no one around, she didn’t know what to say or do. Now, with a growing crowd at the door, she started playing the victim even harder, painting Laurinda as the villain who stole her family’s money.

People in the crowd started whispering and glancing at Laurinda. They’d all seen her coming to school in fancy cars. Even after being thrown out of the Austin family, her clothes and shoes were still designer labels. It wasn’t hard for them to believe she was keeping Florrie’s fortune for herself.

“Laurinda, come on. Just give her back the inheritance,” someone in the crowd called out. “Technically, your aunt is the one who should have your mom’s money since you’re not even her real daughter.”

“Yeah, Bella’s so pitiful. And your grandma’s sick, too. You can’t just ignore your family and live the good life by yourself.”

“Bella’s already been pushed so far. Laurinda, are you made of stone? Can’t you just be a little kinder to them?”

Hearing the voices from the crowd, Bella’s whole attitude changed. The pitiful act vanished. She straightened up and glared at Laurinda, her voice full of defiance.