From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 41

When Adolphus stopped by the criminal investigation team, he made a point of checking into Jared’s case. That’s how he found out the families of those involved were all looking for Laurinda.

“Alright, I got it,” Laurinda said, surprisingly agreeable for once, which let Adolphus leave without worry.

After he left, York hurried over to Laurinda. He glanced at the chocolate she was holding.

“So he waited here all this time just to bring you chocolate? That’s actually pretty sweet.”

Laurinda smiled a little. “Yeah, it is. Can you take it back for me? I’m going to find Shirley and the others. I’ll text you after dinner.”

She didn’t wait for York to follow, heading off on her own toward the private room they’d reserved. Just as she reached for the door, someone called her name.

“Laurinda?”

She stopped and turned, eyes narrowing a bit when she saw who it was—a face she knew all too well.

“What do you want?” she asked.

Adelaide clearly hadn’t expected Laurinda to be so blunt. She let out a cold laugh.

“Really, Laurinda, what are you even showing off for? Do you still think you’re some big shot? The Austins already kicked you out. Still acting all high and mighty? Don’t make me laugh. I could crush you with one finger.”

Laurinda looked her up and down, then stepped closer, wearing a challenging grin.

“I’m right here. If you can’t crush me with one finger, then you must be the daughter of a mistress.”

She paused, covering her mouth as if she’d just remembered something. “Oh, silly me. I forgot. That’s exactly what you are, isn’t it?”

The name sounded familiar to Laurinda, but she couldn’t quite place it. She shrugged and turned back to the private room, pushing open the door and stepping inside.

The room came alive as soon as she walked in. Everyone relaxed, eating and chatting, sharing dreams about the future.

“I’ve made up my mind. I’m applying to a university in Cabinda,” Shirley said first. She’d clearly been thinking about it for a while. “I want to go to Cabinda University. Someday, I’ll make enough to support you, Laurinda.”

“I want to go to Cabinda too,” Sophia chimed in. “I’m aiming for Cabinda Communication University. I want to be a host one day.”

Sophia’s eyes lit up at the thought. She turned to Laurinda, looking excited.

“Laurinda, sign-ups just started for the school’s New Year’s gala. Want to do a performance? You’re amazing at piano and violin. Everyone’s hoping you’ll play.”