From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 344

Laurinda only just remembered the bruise on her arm. She waved it off like it was nothing. “It’s from sparring practice. I’m fine, it’s already healed.”

Carla glanced at her, a little embarrassed for even bringing it up. She laughed awkwardly, honestly surprised. She’d never heard anything about Adolphus being the violent type.

After their beauty treatments, Carla linked arms with Laurinda and dragged her through the mall. She was determined to spoil Laurinda and ended up buying her two new outfits, refusing to take no for an answer.

When they stopped outside the Queen flagship store, Carla let out a dramatic sigh. “What a pity. Queen is members-only and I never managed to snag a membership card. I can’t even step inside.”

Laurinda just smiled. “Let’s go in. Pick anything you like, it’s on me.”

She pulled a sleek black card from her wallet, grabbed Carla’s hand, and led her toward the entrance. The receptionist eyed the card, hesitating for a second. She was about to mention that it wasn’t the standard membership card when the store manager came rushing over.

Before anyone could say a word, the manager greeted Laurinda with genuine respect. “Laurinda, you’re here.”

Carla and the receptionist both froze, staring in surprise. The receptionist especially looked stunned. She’d never seen the manager personally welcome a customer before.

Laurinda turned to the manager. “You’re responsible for this branch?”

The manager nodded. “Yes, I didn’t expect to see you here, Laurinda.” Pansy had been with Henry since the very start of Queen and was one of the few people who really knew who Laurinda was.

“In that case, could you set my friend up with a premium membership card?”

“Of course. Laurinda, if you’d come with me, I’ll take care of everything myself.”

Carla, still a bit confused, followed Pansy away. The receptionist handed Laurinda’s black card back with new respect.

The rings were placed carefully in her hands. Laurinda slid one onto her index finger, holding it up to catch the light. A simple hammered band with a single pink diamond, subtle but so elegant. It was beautiful.

The more she looked at it, the more she liked it. She had to admit, Henry really knew how to pick gemstones. This one was flawless.

Carla came bouncing back, grinning from ear to ear, her new membership card in hand. She clung to Laurinda’s arm, almost giddy. “Thank you! I never thought I’d get one of these in my life.”

Laurinda just smiled. The whole store belonged to her, after all. A membership card was nothing.

Carla’s gaze fell on the ring. “Wow, that’s gorgeous. The pink diamond is stunning, and it looks so good on you.”

The salesgirl, hearing Carla’s excitement, quickly opened the box to show off the matching men’s ring as well.