From Ashes of Scandals to His Embrace novel Chapter 400

“Still not asleep? Waiting for me or something?”

Laurinda brushed Adolphus’s hand away and shifted back, putting space between them.

“Oh, come on. Don’t mess around. What did Baal want?”

At the mention of Baal, Adolphus’s whole vibe changed. He sat up straighter, suddenly all business. “He says he knows where Finn is. I’ve already sent people to check. The Frostfords aren’t going to let Finn go. No matter where he runs, they’ll hunt him down and drag him back.”

Laurinda frowned, an idea forming in her mind. There was only one reason Baal would come to her about Finn, and that was…

“Finn’s probably in Stonehaven.”

Adolphus stared at her, caught off guard. “What?”

He hadn’t even considered that Finn could end up in Stonehaven. There was an unspoken rule there—outsiders weren’t allowed in.

“You really think he could get into Stonehaven?”

“I’m almost sure he’s there. Baal coming to me in a panic? That only happens if Finn’s somewhere Baal can’t reach. Stonehaven’s the only place like that. He needs my help.”

Adolphus’s brow creased with worry. He never imagined Finn could make it into Stonehaven. “If that’s true… it’s not good for us. Trouble like this just keeps coming back.”

Laurinda leaned against the headboard, one leg tucked beneath her, looking totally relaxed. She raised an eyebrow and let out a soft, amused laugh. “Why wouldn’t it be good? He ran right into my territory and thinks he can just walk out? That would make me look useless. The real game is just getting started.”

“So what are you planning?”

“It needs to be fun, obviously.”

Laurinda tugged him by the collar, pulling him close, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered her plan.

Laurinda spent another two weeks at home, letting her injuries heal. Meanwhile, the news was everywhere—the Charles Family’s bankruptcy was splashed across every major platform.

But the biggest thing in Apex was the Gates Group getting bought out. Everyone expected the Baker Group to take over, but it was the Bill Group from Cabinda instead.

No one saw that coming. The Bill Family moving into Apex? It was a total shock.

Laurinda read the headlines, set her tablet down, took a bite of her fried breadstick, and said with a calm voice, “I want to see Harden.”

Adolphus paused, his spoon of porridge halfway to his mouth. He looked up, confusion in his eyes. “Why do you want to see him?”

“I want to get him out. Maybe send him to play in the pro leagues. He’s got talent, and honestly, what happened at the Gates Family wasn’t really his fault. He doesn’t deserve to go down for it.”

Adolphus watched her carefully, not buying her explanation. He knew Laurinda too well. She wasn’t the type to stick her neck out for someone just out of pity. There had to be more to her plan.