From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 4

Laura was his secret daughter. By having her take Laurinda’s place and become the Austin family heir, he would make sure the entire Austin legacy would fall into his hands. Once he secured his connection with the Gates family and brought the Austins into Cabinda’s elite circle, he would have everything he ever wanted.

“I’m willing to leave the Austin family. I’ll give up my rights as heir, no problem. But I won’t take the blame for something as serious as attempted murder. When I go, I want to walk away with a clean slate.”-

Laurinda smiled at Aiken, pulled out her phone, and called the police right in front of him.

“Laurinda, what do you think you’re doing?”

When he realized she was actually calling, Aiken lunged forward, trying to grab her phone out of her hand. The lies he’d spun were too fragile. If anyone started digging, Laura’s real identity would come out for sure.

Laurinda watched him panic, her smile growing even brighter. She leaned in, her voice just above a whisper, meant for him alone.

“Aiken, the real drama is just beginning.”

Aiken stared at her like he didn’t recognize her anymore. Wasn’t she supposed to be weak and helpless, somebody he’d raised to be completely dependent on him? Right now, she looked nothing like that.

The police showed up almost instantly. They didn’t give Aiken a chance to talk his way out of anything. The entire Austin family was brought to the station.

With the Austins gone, the guests left in the ballroom just looked around at each other, lost and awkward. Was that really it?

“Fabian, should we go to the police station too?”

“Why would we do that? Let’s go home and find my dad…”

Fabian brushed off the person trying to help him, pressing a hand to his chest as he hurried out of the hall. He had a bad feeling. If he didn’t sort things out with the Austins soon, Laura might end up in real trouble.

At the station, the officers split the Austin family into separate rooms for questioning.

His voice was gentle, full of concern. He’d rushed over as soon as he got the call, worried she might get hurt or treated unfairly.

“Of course not. I didn’t start anything. The Austins were the ones who handed me this opportunity on a silver platter.”

Laurinda dropped into the chair across from him, accepting the cup of warm water he passed her. She took her time, her mood light and relaxed, a faint smile playing at the corners of her eyes.

Suddenly, Kinsey’s phone rang. He checked the screen and his face tightened with annoyance.

“It’s the Gates family…”

Laurinda didn’t even blink. She grinned and teased, “Kinsey, aren’t you supposed to be off the clock by now? There’s no reason to answer personal calls at this hour, right?”

Kinsey paused, then let out a laugh. He looked at Laurinda, seeing how thoughtful and sharp she really was, and nodded. “You’re right. Honestly, I’ve been dead tired lately. I’m trying to get some rest for once.”