From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 161

“Northland?”

Adolphus repeated the name, almost like he needed to hear it twice to believe it. Why would Laurinda go somewhere like that?

“Yeah, I’ve got some things to take care of,” Laurinda said, keeping her tone casual.

She really didn’t want to go into details with Adolphus, but she knew if she didn’t explain herself, he’d never let her leave.

Laurinda lowered her gaze, thinking hard about what excuse would work, something that wouldn’t give away what she was really up to.

Adolphus caught the hesitation and let out a quiet sigh. “I’ll go with you.”

“No, it’s better if I go alone. Too many people might attract attention. I know some jewelers over there, they can help me out.”

She shut him down right away. From the start, she never planned on bringing him along. Northland was kind of her old turf, and she wanted to keep it that way.

Adolphus noticed her reluctance and decided not to push her. He just sighed again, softer this time.

“So when are you leaving? And how long will you be gone?”

“My flight’s after midnight. If everything goes well, I’ll be back in a week, maybe two at most.”

“That soon?” Adolphus frowned, not ready for her to be gone so suddenly. Then he remembered the injuries she’d just recovered from.

“You’re not going to end up hurt again, are you?”

He held his breath, worried she’d end up in danger. The thought of something happening to her made his chest tight.

“I’ll be fine. It’s just something small, nothing serious.” Laurinda sounded so breezy about it, like it was no big deal at all. She really didn’t see any risk; worst case, it’d just take up some of her time.

“I know, I will.” This time, Laurinda didn’t argue. She really did want to get healthy, to be able to live her life well.

She looked at him, her eyes shining. Adolphus felt like a burst of sunlight in her world. For the first time, she wanted to live for herself.

At the airport, Adolphus walked her to the gate. There was no big, emotional goodbye, just a quiet exchange of reminders to stay safe and look after themselves.

Once Laurinda boarded, she asked a flight attendant for a blanket, closed her eyes, and drifted off to sleep. She only woke up when the landing announcement came on.

As she walked out of the airport, a tall man with mixed features appeared and took her suitcase like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Laurinda, do you want to go to the branch first or the hotel? I’ve set up your meeting for tomorrow at three.”

Laurinda glanced at the clock in the terminal and adjusted her watch to match the local time. She still had plenty of time to spare.