From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 179

The press conference had just wrapped up and Laurinda was getting ready to leave when her phone buzzed. York’s name flashed on the screen. She picked up.

“Laurinda, are you coming to the celebration dinner? Everyone’s hoping to see you.”

His excitement was obvious, and Laurinda glanced at the time.

“I think I’ll skip it. I want to visit Fidelia at the care home. She needs to hear today’s good news from me.”

York paused, and she could almost hear the smile in his voice.

“Can you pass along a message for me? Tell Fidelia, none of this would have happened without her and our mentor. The success of the project is really us fulfilling his last wish. I hope she comes back to the team soon.”

York’s voice caught a little when he mentioned their mentor. He missed the man who had treated him like family, and he was relieved he hadn’t let him down.

“I’ll tell her, promise. You guys enjoy the party. Put everything on my tab.”

After hanging up, Laurinda walked over to Adolphus and slipped her hand into his without thinking twice.

“I’m taking you to see Fidelia.”

He smiled and wrapped his fingers around hers.

“Let’s go.”

Adolphus led her toward the parking lot, their hands still joined. As they passed by, Harden caught sight of them. His expression darkened and he couldn’t figure out what Laurinda saw in the campus doctor.

—

At the airport, Harrell walked out of the terminal and spotted Sam waiting for him. He lifted an eyebrow.

“What brings you to Apex? Who else is here? This place is starting to feel like a reunion.”

“Don’t go spreading rumors, unless you want Adolphus coming after you. There’s no way Adah would ever get his attention—that gossip came straight from the Charles family.”

“As for the girlfriend, pretty sure it’s Laurinda. If Adolphus is calling her that, their relationship must really be moving forward.”

“I don’t actually know Laurinda all that well. You’ll meet her at dinner tonight, then you can see for yourself what kind of person she is.”

“Come on, just give me a hint,” Harrell pressed, curiosity getting the better of him.

Sam just laughed, making Harrell even more desperate for details. Opportunities to dig up dirt on Adolphus didn’t come around often and he wasn’t about to let this one go.

—

Adolphus and Laurinda arrived at the care home. Laurinda carried a bouquet of red king lilies, Fidelia’s favorite. Adolphus had a basket of fruit in one hand and Laurinda’s hand in the other as they walked inside together.