From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 313

Kenny’s smile disappeared in an instant. His gaze turned sharp and dangerous, sending a chill through the room. He looked at the three men, his face unreadable.

“Do you even realize what you’re saying? If Laurinda wasn’t the Lord’s child, don’t you think he’d know? What gives you the right to question who she is?”

The Third and Fifth Elders hadn’t expected Kenny to turn so cold. They clammed up, eyes wide, both of them taking a nervous step back.

Only Baily stayed put, his eyes fixed on Kenny, sharp and calculating. It was clear he thought he had Kenny all figured out. He gave a slow, deliberate smile.

“I gave you my word, didn’t I? I said I’d accept your engagement to Laurinda and I’m not going to break that promise. But our family’s bloodline is sacred. Whether that so-called real heiress is truly one of us, that’s for us to decide, not you. You don’t get a say in it.”

Kenny could see right through Baily’s smug expression. The message was loud and clear. No matter who that girl was, if the family decided she was an Austin, then she was one, end of story.

Staring at their smug faces, Kenny suddenly felt like last night’s explosion had hit the wrong place. He almost wished all three of them had been caught in it instead.

He took a slow breath and nodded.

“You’re right, the Austin family’s bloodline isn’t my business. But only the one who holds the Holy Grail gets to sit on Stonehaven’s throne. When it comes down to it, whether Laurinda is really an Austin may not matter that much after all.”

Baily’s smile faltered. For a second, he looked genuinely stunned. He hadn’t expected Kenny to talk back, let alone question the family’s claim to the throne. Was Kenny planning to turn against them too? There was no way the throne could go to someone outside the Austins.

“That’s exactly what I mean,” Kenny said, his voice calm. “Do you really think you can just bring back some random girl and let her take the throne, Baily? You’ve lived this long and you’re still that naive?”

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