From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 429

When Laurinda casually mentioned Laura, Abbas knew right away she didn't care about that girl at all. He let out a short, cold laugh.

“That girl? Kenny would never go for her. She stirred up all kinds of trouble the moment she set foot in Stonehaven. Honestly, I have no idea what Baily did to get her admitted to Stonehaven University, but it didn’t last long. Before you knew it, word got out that she’d been expelled. Not even Baily could turn things around.”

Laurinda looked genuinely surprised. With Baily’s influence, she’d always assumed Laura would be protected, unless Baily had already decided she wasn’t worth the trouble.

She lowered her head, focused on her meal, and asked in a light, almost gossipy tone, “So, what’s she doing now?”

“I really don’t know,” Abbas replied. “But your aunt said Aiken’s wife has been taking her to all these fancy socialite classes. She’s probably picked up a few tricks by now.”

Laurinda smiled. It sounded like Laura was managing just fine in Stonehaven. She’d even made her way into the social scene.

“That’s not so bad then. Has Baily been keeping out of trouble lately?”

“I’m not sure I’d say that. Things between her and Kenny are pretty bad. His people are having a tough time getting in and out of the country. I keep hearing that Kenny’s making things difficult for him every chance he gets.”

Abbas picked up his glass, took a sip of water, and looked at Laurinda. The way she sat there, quietly eating, softened his expression.

“So, you’re really planning to wait until you turn twenty before you go back to Stonehaven? Aren’t you worried they’ll try something when you take over?”

Laurinda set her chopsticks down, took the napkin Leo handed her, and dabbed at her lips. Her voice was calm and steady. “If I went back now, I’d just be a sitting duck. They wouldn’t let me take over easily, no matter when I return. Uncle, I’m doing just fine out here. You don’t need to worry about me.”

After a moment, she flashed a sly, almost mischievous smile. “The day I go back will be the start of their sleepless nights. Things are going to get interesting.”

Laurinda moved over to Arrow and lowered her voice. “When we get inside, find Adolphus’s people. Tell them there’s a sniper on the rooftop across from us, someone in the side building at three o’clock, and more lookouts all around the hospital. Tell them to take care of it.”

Arrow gave her a small nod, trying to seem casual, but inside he was stunned. He couldn’t believe how sharp Laurinda was.

They had barely stepped out of the van, and she’d already figured out where the enemy was hiding—even the sniper’s spot. And it was pitch dark outside.

After seeing Arrow’s nod, Laurinda didn’t say anything else and led the experts into the hospital.

As she walked, she pulled out her phone and called Egan.

It rang three times before he answered, his voice still thick with sleep.