From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace novel Chapter 39

“It’s just a feeling, nothing to worry about. I’m having dinner with my roommates tonight, so have someone keep an eye on them. As for me…” Laurinda’s voice faded as she smiled mischievously. Waiting around wasn’t her thing. She liked to take the initiative, to draw trouble out into the open.

“No way. You’re not in great shape, so I don’t want you taking risks. I’ve already talked to Bonnie. She’ll be joining your school as a teacher to keep you safe.”

York’s concern was obvious. He’d always believed Laurinda could handle herself, so he hadn’t insisted on extra protection before. But after hearing what Adolphus had said, he wasn’t willing to take chances. He couldn’t risk losing her again.

“Are you sure this is necessary? The Austin and Gates families aren’t exactly scarier than mercenaries or the mafia. I don’t think they can really do anything to me.”

“I’m serious. I’m not letting you act recklessly again.”

York’s voice left no room for argument. Laurinda stopped protesting. She understood their worry. If this would ease their minds, she could live with it. It was just one more person looking out for her.

Laurinda glanced down at the files on the Gates family’s two illegitimate sons. Both boys in the photos looked a lot like Finn. Honestly, they even resembled him more than Fabian did.

“What do you think? If Finn found out he had more than one son, would he toss Fabian aside?” Laurinda’s tone was playful, already picturing Fabian’s face if that happened.

Back when Fabian was seven, Finn had a car accident that left him sterile. That was why, in the entire Gates family, Fabian was the only child.

“If there’s someone better, who would put their hopes on a deadweight? But I don’t think your goal is just to see Fabian abandoned. You want to take down the whole Gates family.”

Laurinda caught the look York was giving her and snapped her fingers with a grin.

“Bingo. I’m not just after Fabian. I want Finn and the entire Gates family to fall from their pedestal. Finding his other sons is just so Fabian knows what it feels like to be cast aside. Nothing else is going to change.”

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