From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 150

“Adolphus, we’ve looked into it. Jeniffer went out early this morning to buy groceries, but she never came back.”

Adolphus frowned, feeling that familiar weight settle in his chest. The thing he’d been worried about was happening.

He’d always sensed something wild and unpredictable simmering under Laurinda’s calm surface. He wasn’t afraid she’d actually do something crazy, just that if she did, he might not get there in time to help her pick up the pieces.

“Find out everywhere Laurinda’s been today.”

He called her again. The phone rang, and on the fourth try she finally picked up. Her voice came through, sleepy and a little lazy.

“You’re back?”

“Yeah. I’m in Emberfall. Where are you?”

Laurinda jolted awake. She sat up in bed and stared at her phone, not quite believing the time.

“Wait… why are you in Emberfall? Are you here for work or…?”

The realization hit her in a rush. Of course he was here for her. But…

“How did you even know I was here?”

She sounded so calm that Adolphus felt the tension in his chest ease a bit. At least it didn’t sound like she’d done anything reckless.

“Irvin told me what happened at school. I got in touch with York, and he said Jeniffer was involved. No one could reach you, and I figured you might come here. Are you okay?”

His last words were soft. All he really cared about was how she was doing. Nothing else mattered to him. Honestly, even if Laurinda upended the world, he’d find a way to keep her safe.

“Flights aren’t a problem. If you want to leave, we can go whenever.”

He let her go and gently turned her to face him, cupping her face in his hands. When he saw the dark circles under her eyes, his gaze softened and a little crease formed between his brows.

“What’s wrong? You’re not sleeping again? The herbal packs and pillow aren’t helping anymore?”

He knew Laurinda wasn’t the impulsive type. For her to leave school, travel all this way, and cut off contact, something serious must have happened.

Feeling suddenly exposed, Laurinda’s heart started to race. She tilted her head up and met his worried eyes. A sad smile flickered across her lips, and she let herself sink into his chest, letting down her guard for just a moment.

“Tomorrow’s the day my parents died. I keep dreaming about them lately. I just… can’t sleep.”

No matter how tough Laurinda acted, she’d still just been a kid when she lost her parents. Her whole world had collapsed. But she’d had to get strong, to keep the wrong people away, to keep her younger brother safe. She’d never really had a choice.