From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 447

“Seraphina, if you want to fix this partnership, you need to cut Magnolia out of your life. She can’t be seen with you anymore. That’s non-negotiable.”

Seraphina got the message loud and clear. She shot up from the sofa, determination in every move.

“I’ll deal with her right now. She brought this on herself. There’s no way I’m letting her drag me down with her. Honestly, I should’ve seen her true colors the moment she pulled that stunt.”

With that, Seraphina grabbed her bag and strode out, heels clicking on the floor. She didn’t look back even once.

Laurinda watched her go, a small smile playing on her lips. Things were definitely getting interesting.

***

When Seraphina got home, she opened the door and there was Magnolia, sprawled on the sofa with snacks everywhere. Seraphina’s brief moment of calm vanished, replaced by a surge of frustration.

Last night Magnolia had acted like her whole world was ending. Now, she looked totally fine, munching away like nothing had happened.

“Magnolia, have I not told you a thousand times? No eating snacks on the sofa.”

Magnolia froze, caught mid-bite. For a split second, she looked stunned, then sat up and glanced over, putting on that wounded, helpless look she always used.

“Seraphina, I’m sorry. I haven’t eaten all day, and my blood sugar is so low. I just felt really weak, so I needed to lie down and eat something. Don’t worry, I’ll clean up the sofa as soon as I’m done.”

She scrambled to her feet, a little shaky, like she might actually faint.

Seraphina just stood there, watching Magnolia wipe her crumb-covered hands on the sofa cushions. She couldn’t believe she’d ever thought of Magnolia as a good friend. Was she out of her mind? How had she convinced herself that Magnolia was decent?

“That’s enough. Just leave it,” Seraphina said.

Magnolia stopped pretending to clean and flashed a hopeful smile. She hurried over, reaching for Seraphina’s arm, but Seraphina stepped away before she could touch her.

Magnolia’s hand hung in the air, and for a second, she looked caught off guard. She quickly covered it up, acting casual. “You’re home early. Did you bring back anything good to eat? Kendrick’s food is always so amazing…”

“Magnolia, go pack your stuff and leave,” Seraphina interrupted her, her voice steady and flat. Her face showed nothing, but to Magnolia, the words hit like a slap.

Seraphina didn’t know what Magnolia was plotting, but there was no way she’d let her talk to Laurinda. If Magnolia said something to mess things up, especially now, with Adolphus still unconscious and unable to defend himself, it could ruin everything. She wouldn’t risk it.

Magnolia’s eyes turned cold. Once upon a time, they’d been so close. Now, Seraphina was taking Laurinda’s side. Shouldn’t she be the one Seraphina protected, no matter what?

“Seraphina, just help me out this once. Let me see Laurinda, and I swear I’ll leave. If you don’t, don’t expect me to go quietly.”

Magnolia’s face twisted with desperation. This was her last shot. If Seraphina kicked her out, she’d have no way to get to Laurinda.

She was sure Seraphina and Laurinda had already met. With Seraphina’s relationship with Adolphus, if Seraphina would just help her, Laurinda wouldn’t refuse. Anyone who wanted to get in good with the Lane family had to play nice with Seraphina.

Watching Magnolia’s expression shift from pleading to cold calculation, Seraphina realized she didn’t even recognize her anymore. When had she turned into this?

Seraphina had had enough. She pulled out her phone to call for help, but before she could dial, Magnolia snatched the phone right out of her hand.

Magnolia stared her down, lips pressed tight. “What, you’re going to call someone to throw me out? Seraphina, do you really have to be this heartless? Weren’t we supposed to be best friends?”