From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 342

“No… I didn’t run into anyone. I’m just not feeling well all of a sudden. I don’t want to eat here anymore. Let’s just head back, okay?”

Laura grabbed her bag and hurried for the door. Gus followed behind her, moving with a calm that felt almost cold. In his mind, he couldn’t help but think Laura just wasn’t good enough for this crowd.

He’d been taking her to fancy hotels and upscale restaurants all week, hoping she’d pick up on something new. But instead of growing or learning, she’d just gotten more arrogant. That was it.

Their group stepped out of the private dining room right as Laurinda was coming out of the restroom. This time, it wasn’t just Laura who looked rattled. Gus’s face went pale too.

He kept his head down as they passed Laurinda, not daring to meet her eyes. Nash hadn’t come home last night. Gus was pretty sure he knew why.

The weight of Laurinda’s warning felt heavier than ever.

As soon as they got outside, everyone seemed to breathe easier. Laura leaned against the wall, her legs shaky. She’d been terrified Laurinda would call her out in front of everyone.

Gus looked at her with clear annoyance. Suddenly, a thought hit him. Maybe Laurinda wanted Laura to go to Stonehaven on purpose. But why? He couldn’t figure it out.

Back at the table, Laurinda was in a great mood. She reached out to take Hanson from Abigail, making him giggle with a few playful bounces.

The others paused, surprised at how natural Laurinda looked holding a baby.

“I had no idea you were so good with kids, Laurinda.”

Laurinda gently patted Hanson’s back. His chubby little body nestled against her, and it brought back a rush of old memories.

Abigail was thinking back too. Now it made sense—the little boy really did look a bit like Laurinda. No wonder she’d always thought he seemed familiar.

“Jasper, right?” Abigail asked.

Laurinda nodded, smiling. She hadn’t expected Jasper to have been to the Lane family’s house before. Life really was full of strange connections.

“I actually have a picture with him,” Carla cut in, pulling out her phone and scrolling through her photos. Her family was full of musicians, and her dad was good friends with Lea. The first time she met Jasper, she’d been so charmed by him. She even named her own son Hanson, hoping he’d grow up as wonderful as Jasper.

When Carla found the photo, she laughed. “Wow, I never noticed before, but you and your brother really do look alike.”

Laurinda looked at the picture of little Jasper, her face softening. “He’s grown out of those baby cheeks now,” she said with a quiet laugh. “He’s even more handsome these days.”