From Ashes of Scandals to His Embrace novel Chapter 419

Laurinda glanced down at the little horse pin Adolphus had slipped into her hand. She heard him hinting for a reward and couldn’t help but smile, though she kept quiet.

Adolphus was just starting to think she’d ignore him when she finally spoke. “So, what kind of reward do you want?”

He grinned, his eyes lighting up. “Come on, I’ll tell you once we’re out of here.” He grabbed her hand and led her away from the stables.

Across the field, their friends watched the pair sneak off and just shook their heads. They thought those two were hopeless when it came to teamwork. What was so great about slipping away for a secret date anyway?

As the sky darkened, everyone gathered around a bonfire in the estate’s yard, grilling meat and chatting. Adolphus and Laurinda eventually wandered back, looking perfectly content.

Laurinda had barely settled into her seat when Teddy slid over, lowering his voice. “So, what did you two get up to?”

Jasper handed Laurinda a piece of grilled meat and some bread. She took a bite, smiled, and replied, “Why don’t you guess?”

Teddy rolled his eyes. “Forget it. If you don’t want to say, I’m not guessing.”

When Laurinda wouldn’t spill, Teddy’s curiosity faded. The conversation shifted, and everyone got caught up in roasting food and telling stories, laughing long into the night.

It got late, but nobody left. They all stayed over at the villa.

Laurinda sat at her desk, her laptop open and a rough sketch of a jewelry design beside her. Adolphus walked in carrying a glass of milk. He knelt down, scooping up a stray page from the floor.

“You really shouldn’t leave your designs lying around,” he told her. “It’s not that safe. Someone might pick them up and cause trouble.”

Laurinda took the milk and murmured a quiet thank you, her hand moving steadily as she kept sketching. The soft sound of pencil on paper filled the room.

Adolphus watched her, letting out a quiet sigh. Lately, Laurinda had gotten really good at half-listening to him. She barely even looked up when she answered.

The Austin family’s old butler looked a little uncomfortable, like he had something to hide.

Since leaving the Austins, he hadn’t worked a day, choosing to enjoy retirement at home. He’d made good money back then and Aileen had always made sure he was taken care of. When he left, he took some antiques too, so he was living pretty well in his later years.

“Yeah,” he said quietly. “I haven’t worked since I left the Austin family. Been traveling with my wife and grandson.”

He kept his voice low, like he was worried Laurinda might suddenly want payback. If she decided to hold a grudge, he’d be lucky to just lose his comfortable life and not end up in real trouble.

She smiled again. “That’s nice. You’ve earned it. I don’t need anything else, so go ahead and enjoy your day.”

He bowed his head. “Thank you, Laurinda. Enjoy your meal.” Then he hurried off, looking relieved.