From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 30

Keith had spent years navigating the business world, so he caught Finn’s meaning right away. Finn was clearly trying to wash his hands of the whole mess. It was obvious now that Jared had been set up.

Still, Keith clung to a shred of hope as he looked at Fabian and asked, “Jared said you sent someone to find him, told him Laurinda got kicked out of the Austin family, and that he should take some guys to go after her. In return, you’d hand over the Central Square Project from the Gates Group to the Brown family. Is that true?”

Fabian met Keith’s hopeful look with nothing but a cold, mocking smile.

“Keith, are you serious? Sure, I’m supposed to inherit the Gates family business someday, but I don’t have the power to just give away company projects. Think about it. Doesn’t that sound ridiculous?”

With Fabian acting so unconcerned, Keith couldn’t help but laugh, the sound bitter and sharp. He finally understood. His foolish son had been nothing more than a tool for someone else’s scheme.

“Alright. Fine. If Fabian has nothing to do with this, then my son can just tell the truth. He may be naïve, but at least he knows how to protect himself.” He paused, his tone turning pointed. “Luckily, he kept evidence that works in his favor.”

He turned to Finn. “Sorry for bothering you all today. We’ll be on our way.”

Keith knew better than to go up against the Gates family. They’d never step in to help his son, and crossing them would only end badly. Still, he wasn’t about to just let this slide. Even if he couldn’t drag them down, he’d at least make them uncomfortable.

The group left the Gates estate, frustration written all over their faces. As they walked out, someone grabbed Keith’s arm and asked in a low, anxious voice, “Keith, did Jared actually keep evidence?”

Fabian stumbled, eyes wide with shock as he stared at his father.

“You’re pathetic,” Finn snapped, his voice low and angry. “Don’t look at me like that. I’ve told you so many times to clean up after yourself when you pull something like this. Look at the mess you’ve made. Who said you could use the company as bait?”

Fabian’s jaw clenched tight. He could taste blood but kept his mouth shut, head bowed, not daring to say a word. He’d started to panic the moment he learned Jared had a recording. All he wanted now was to keep himself out of trouble.

Finn’s voice was cold. “Laurinda always refused to get engaged to you. I thought she was just being coy at first, but now I get it. She never wanted anything to do with you. Honestly, if I were her, I wouldn’t have looked at you twice either.”