From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 167

Patton stared at Laurinda, eyes wide with shock and fear. Out of all the ways things could have gone wrong, he never imagined he’d end up at the mercy of a young woman.

He tried to say something, but all that came out were muffled, panicked noises.

Laurinda smiled, her tone almost playful as she looked down at him. “Relax. I’ll try not to make this hurt. Just give me a minute. Once I’ve restored the data on your main server, I’ll take care of you. It’ll all be over soon.”

She gave Patton a rough kick, then sat back down at the computer. Her fingers danced across the keyboard, moving so fast they blurred, as she worked to break through the virus and recover the files before time ran out.

The door swung open and Leo stepped in, taking in the scene at a glance. Patton was tied up and motionless on the floor. Laurinda was focused at the computer, lost in her work.

He hurried to her side, worry written all over his face as he checked her over, trying to make sure she was alright. “Laurinda, what happened? Did he do something to you?”

She didn’t even look away from the screen. “Nope. I just decided I want this factory. He already signed the transfer. Go get the paperwork sorted out.”

Leo blinked, thrown off by how casually she said it. “Wait, what did you just say? Did I hear that right?”

He couldn't wrap his head around it. He knew Laurinda was talented, but he’d never seen her just take over an entire facility like it was nothing. Patton was well-known around here, and a move like this could stir up a lot of trouble.

Laurinda’s eyes stayed glued to the computer, her hands moving nonstop. “I said I’m taking over this place. Get the paperwork done. Our people are on the way, so go meet them outside.”

The second Patton tried anything shady with her, his fate was sealed. The only reason he was still breathing was because she still had a use for him.

While she was checking the machines, Laurinda came across a folder on Patton’s computer. She clicked it open, finding files packed with evidence of the managers’ crimes—photos, records, even logs of Patton’s trafficking deals.

After going through everything, Laurinda changed her mind about Patton’s fate.

She picked up her phone and called Interpol, sending over all the evidence. They replied almost immediately, thanking her and promising to send agents to deal with the case.

Not long after, Leo rushed back in with his crew, dragging several people with them.

“Laurinda, we caught these guys trying to blow up the factory. They didn’t believe Patton gave it up willingly. They wanted to take you down with them. Good thing our team found out in time.”