From Ashes of Scandals to His Embrace novel Chapter 451

“You know, back then you didn’t just refuse to believe she was bad. You actually stood up for her. Adolphus got so fed up, he kept the truth from you. Laurinda, deep down, you’ve always known Magnolia isn’t a good person. You’re just too soft-hearted. You thought she suffered only because she was buying you time, so you never stopped feeling guilty about it.”

“Now that you know what really happened, don’t waste another minute feeling bad. She doesn’t deserve your worry at all.”

Laurinda was never great at comforting people, but she figured Seraphina would get what she meant, and that was good enough.

A knock broke the silence. Laurinda glanced at the monitor. Kendrick had arrived.

She opened the door, meaning to say something, but Kendrick strode right past her, heading straight for Seraphina. He wrapped her in his arms and murmured comforting words, his voice low and gentle.

Watching them, Laurinda knew it was time to slip out. She quietly closed the door behind her as she left, took the elevator downstairs, and left them to it.

Outside, Sam and Arrow waited in the car. York had already taken Magnolia away.

Laurinda slid into the back seat and sighed, her exhaustion obvious. “Kendrick’s here now. We don’t need to worry anymore. Can you take me back to the hospital?”

Back at the hospital, Arrow walked Laurinda to the room. Laurinda waved her off, then sank into a chair next to Adolphus’s bed and told him what happened with Seraphina before heading off to take a shower.

Afterwards, she climbed into bed beside Adolphus, scrolled through her phone for a few minutes, and soon drifted off to sleep.

For the next few days, Laurinda split her time between caring for Adolphus and studying everyone in the Lane family. She took careful mental notes on their personalities and connections. By the time she had everything straight, Felix’s birthday party had arrived.

York went all out making sure Laurinda could attend without worry—securing the hospital completely. Not so much as a mosquito would get past his security measures.

When Laurinda finished getting ready, Renata came in from the hall. She handed Laurinda a small wooden box—inside was the heirloom jade bracelet Tanya had given her.

“I’ll hold down the fort here. Just focus on showing your best side at the Lane family’s party.”

Laurinda took out the bracelet and slipped it onto her wrist. The clear green stone looked even more striking against her pale skin.

“Don’t worry about me. I plan to make a solid impression tonight. Those troublemakers better stay out of my way—or they’ll regret it.”

Dressed in her gorgeous gown, Laurinda couldn’t help but sound a bit like a rebel. York, standing close by, rubbed his temples as if to say, When did she go from refined lady to this feisty version of herself?

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