From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 38

Fabian couldn’t believe how thorough Aiken was. He was quick to shower him with compliments.

“Aiken, you really think things through. Honestly, I think you’re the right person to lead the Austin family. If you took over the Austin Group, it would only get bigger and better. I’ll talk to Laura about it. No outside manager could ever care as much as family does. I can’t wait to see how far you’ll take the company.”

Aiken soaked up the praise. Ever since he’d kicked Laurinda out, he’d fired the entire management team too. Now, with real power in his hands and Fabian buttering him up, he felt like he was floating.

“Aiken, I’ll leave Laurinda’s situation to you. It’s getting late, so I’ll go home and wait for your update.”

“Alright. I won’t keep you for dinner. As soon as I hear anything, I’ll let you know.”

Aiken walked Fabian to the door. Laura stood quietly by his side, waving goodbye. She wanted to leave with Fabian, to ask what really happened with Laurinda. But Fabian’s face was still swollen and he seemed to be avoiding her. Laura understood and didn’t push it.

After Fabian left, Laura hesitantly tugged on Aiken’s sleeve. “Aiken, what happened to Laurinda?”

“It’s nothing. Don’t ask about things that aren’t your business. Just focus on your etiquette classes. Soon, we’ll host an official family event to announce your engagement to Fabian. Try not to act so small-minded. It’s embarrassing.”

Aiken gave Laura a once-over, squinting with obvious dislike. Growing up outside the family, she just couldn’t compare to Laurinda, who’d been pampered her whole life. If Laurinda hadn’t been so hard to control, he never would’ve brought Laura home.

Thinking of Laurinda, Aiken pictured her soft, porcelain skin, looking as smooth as a peeled egg. He didn’t even want to imagine how incredible it would feel to touch her.

“Irvin from the Main family gave me this. He said it’s a kind of nerve agent, hard to detect after it’s used. Take it to the lab and have someone analyze it. That guy’s pretty interesting.”

Laurinda had tried to look into Irvin’s background, but his files were encrypted. That only made her more sure he wasn’t ordinary.

York had never seen anything like the vial before. He looked genuinely curious as he picked it up carefully.

“Alright, I’ll get it to the lab.” He placed a folder in front of Laurinda. “Here’s the information on the Gates family’s illegitimate sons. They’re twins, and they each have some influence. One’s a small-time online celebrity, the other’s a pro gamer. What did you mean about someone plotting against you?”