From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 193

She tipped her head up and brushed a soft kiss over his lips, her voice gentle and playful.

"Hi, boyfriend. I feel so lucky to be spoiled by you. Take care of me, okay?"

They shared a look that said everything, happiness lighting up their faces, like the rest of the world had faded away until it was just the two of them.

After a little more time lost in each other, Adolphus laced his fingers with Laurinda’s and led her out. He glanced over at the group already drinking and waved to Harrell, who was sitting quietly in the corner.

"It’s getting late. We’re heading home," he called.

Harrell just nodded, choosing not to stand up and risk interrupting the others, who were still having a great time.

Once Laurinda and Adolphus stepped out of the elevator, someone suddenly rushed toward them.

"Adolphus!"

Laurinda’s expression turned cold as she watched the woman float over, all flutter and fake sweetness. She recognized her instantly. It really was Adah.

Even though Laurinda had half-expected to see her, it was still a surprise. Hadn’t Adah gotten the message last time? Did she really have the nerve to show up again?

Adah caught sight of Laurinda and shot her a glare before turning away with a little huff. Then she turned back to Adolphus, her whole face changing into a sugary smile.

"Adolphus," she practically purred.

Laurinda felt a chill at the way Adah said his name. Her fingers twitched, itching for a reason to put Adah in her place.

Just as Laurinda started to lift her hand, Adolphus’s voice cut through the tension, deep and sharp.

"Stop. That’s disgusting. You don’t know me well enough to talk to me like that. If you’re sick, go see a doctor. Don’t come out here and make everyone else miserable."

Before Adah could get another word in, Adolphus squeezed Laurinda’s hand and guided her away.

Laurinda’s hand curled into a fist inside her pocket. What a waste. She didn’t even get the chance to slap that smug look off Adah’s face.

The butler came out from the dining room, carrying a tray of freshly washed fruit.

"No, miss, we haven’t had any guests."

Laurinda shrugged off her coat and handed it to Adolphus, eyeing the bag again. It looked weirdly familiar, but she couldn’t quite place it.

The butler set the fruit down and picked up the bag, which looked freshly cleaned and polished. He handed it to Laurinda and said, "Isn’t this yours? I found it in the storage room and thought you’d forgotten about it, so I brought it out for you."

He knew Laurinda didn’t care much for luxury brands, but every year the boutiques sent over their latest designs. He had just assumed she left it behind after some event and a housekeeper had put it away.

Laurinda glanced over the bag and could tell immediately it wasn’t hers. She took it, crouched down, and opened it, tipping everything out onto the rug.

Lipstick, makeup, a wallet, a phone, and a bunch of random trinkets scattered across the floor.

Laurinda sifted through the mess, picked up the wallet, and flipped it open. A familiar face stared back at her from an ID, and her eyebrows lifted, a slow realization dawning.