From Ashes of Scandals to His Embrace novel Chapter 398

“I told you to go get Laurinda, so just go already. I really have something important to tell her. It’s about the Gates family. I’ve got news about Finn.”

The second Adolphus heard Finn’s name, he looked even less interested, if that was possible. He was stretched out on the sofa, watching Baal with a lazy, almost bored expression.

“Whatever is going on with the Gates family, it has nothing to do with Laurinda. And Finn? He’s got even less to do with her. I remember Laurinda saying you two are just business partners. If this isn’t work related, please stop dropping by. Even if it is work, you can just talk to the project manager. There’s really no need for you to show up here.”

Before Baal could even respond, Adolphus turned to the butler behind him, his voice calm and flat. “Butler, please show our guest out.”

Baal’s face twisted in anger. He glared at Adolphus and snapped, “Who do you think you are? Since when do you get to decide for Laurinda? I said I want to see her. If I don’t see her today, I’m not—”

He didn’t even get to finish. Six bodyguards walked in, all business. They didn’t need instructions. They just picked Baal up and started carrying him out the door.

The butler stood there, stunned, looking back and forth between Adolphus and the scene at the door. He looked like he wanted to say something, but he kept quiet. Everyone in the house knew Adolphus was Laurinda’s choice, and that meant he spoke for her.

Adolphus got up and handed the butler a glass of milk, the perfect temperature. “Josh, can you take this milk up to Laurinda for me? I’m going to check what’s happening outside.”

Josh nodded, took the glass, and headed upstairs. He gently knocked on Laurinda’s bedroom door.

“Laurinda, I brought your milk.”

Laurinda set her tablet aside and looked up at him, half-smiling. “Is there any reason I should?”

She studied Josh for a moment, curious if he thought differently. “Do you think I should see him?”

Josh picked up on her meaning and realized she must have her reasons, but he still looked a bit unsure. “I thought you and Baal were business partners. York mentioned that the Austin family’s assets got merged into the Baker family and our cooperation’s been going well. Shouldn’t we keep that relationship going?”

Laurinda shook her head, a small smile on her lips. “Healthy relationships are worth maintaining. But if it was never healthy to begin with, there’s really nothing to maintain.”

Especially after what she’d learned about Baal’s feelings for her mother, Laurinda was sure. She couldn’t deal with him anymore, not without feeling uncomfortable.