From Ashes of Scandals to His Embrace novel Chapter 382

Laurinda already knew exactly what she needed to do. If Baily was really tangled up in organ trafficking, then she’d make sure he got a taste of his own medicine. He’d walk the same path he’d forced her father down, and that would be justice enough for her.

She didn’t care about the consequences. The way she saw it, she was already holding back by not tearing Stonehaven apart, so what was the point of second-guessing herself now?

She gave York a few last instructions, then went to change her clothes. By the time she stepped out of the bedroom, Garry was already waiting for her. She pulled on a mask and headed out the door with him.

Standing on the rooftop, Laurinda watched as a small helicopter landed and finally understood what Adolphus meant earlier. If they were pulling out a helicopter, things were definitely urgent.

The moment the helicopter touched down, she hopped out and spotted Adolphus waiting nearby. She rushed over and wrapped her arms around him.

“Why are you waiting for me out here? Hasn’t the auction started yet?”

“Not yet,” Adolphus said. “They sent a message—some kind of equipment issue. It’s been pushed back an hour. If we go now, we’ll get there right on time.”

He squeezed her hand and helped her into the car, checking his watch to make sure they still had a little cushion.

The auction was strict about entry. There was only a fifteen-minute window to get inside. If you were late, it didn’t matter who you were or what ticket you held. You weren’t getting in.

When their car pulled up outside the venue, Laurinda glanced at all the luxury cars lined up at the curb. She couldn’t help a bitter laugh. “I get that people want to survive, but if it means sacrificing someone else, it’s just... disgusting and sad.”

Adolphus squeezed her hand again as they got out. There was a heaviness in his voice. “The ones really to blame are the traffickers. Let’s go. We should head in.”

Adolphus looked at her, confused. If Renata could handle things remotely, why did Laurinda need to be here in person, especially when she hated everything about this place?

“If you could have done it from home, why bother coming at all?”

Laurinda adjusted the brim of her hat, widening her view of the room as she spoke softly. “Because I need to know for sure.”

She studied every single face in the room, double-checking that she didn’t recognize anyone. She stayed alert, instincts buzzing. Something told her this night would give her answers. Maybe not the ones she expected, but she’d find something. She was sure of it.

Adolphus watched her, not really getting what she was looking for, but he didn’t ask. He just sat quietly beside her and followed her lead, scanning the crowd in silence.