From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 457

“Don’t let the wrong people mess with your head. Mom has her reasons for everything she does. She’s got a good eye, trust me. Just give it time… watch, listen, and you’ll start to see why she goes about things the way she does. No one who’s built something great wants to see it fall apart. Not ever.”

Abigail couldn’t say everything openly, but she hoped Varelie would get the point. She just wanted to help her steer clear of the wrong path. Even if it was for her child’s sake, she couldn’t let her make a mistake she’d regret.

“Abigail, Yolande, what are you two whispering about?” Seraphina walked over with Kendrick, and the whole somber tone dissolved in a split second.

The two sisters-in-law immediately shifted gears. Kendrick instantly became their new target for light teasing, and the conversation drifted to easier ground.

Not far away, Laurinda’s cheeks were sore from smiling. She had no idea there were so many people she needed to make nice with in Cabinda. Sticking with Tanya, she met everyone from business bigwigs to minor celebrities, and was finally starting to get what it meant to come from a famous Cabinda family.

The banquet wrapped up without any more Lane family drama. In fact, people were looking at Laurinda differently now. There was some real, unspoken respect in their eyes. She could feel it.

Patten and Odette made their way over with a gift in hand. Before heading up to Adolphus’s grandparents, Patten shot Laurinda a quick glance, then put on a forced, eager smile.

“Mom, Dad, Odette and I wish you good health and happiness for years to come.”

Felix had spent the whole night listening to blessings and polite speeches. He snorted quietly, unimpressed. This was his second son, still half-hearted about everything—even wishing his parents well. Felix seriously doubted he meant a word of what he said.

“Fine, we accept your gift. If you don’t have anything else to say, you two can leave now. You’re not needed here.”

The words hit Patten and Odette like a slap. Patten thought this birthday dinner was his chance to repair things with his parents. It was obvious now—Felix didn’t see it that way.

“Dad! I’m still your son! You can’t just freeze me out like this.”

Felix stared at Patten, irritated by the constant sense of entitlement in his son’s eyes. “You’re only standing here because you’re my son. Otherwise, the Lane family’s doors would’ve stayed shut. I’m in a good mood tonight and I don’t want to argue with you. Take your… take your people and go.”

Felix didn’t look at Odette, not once. He couldn’t stand her, but he didn’t think she’d corrupted Patten. To Felix, they were just alike—both foolish enough to bring each other down.

Patten opened his mouth, wanting to say more, when Felix’s voice cut through the room, cold and sharp. “Are you leaving, or should I have someone throw you out? Don’t expect me to play nice.”

In one move, Patten’s hand closed around her neck. Fingers digging in, he cut off her breath and words.

Odette struggled, clawing at his hand, but he squeezed tighter. She finally went limp and he let go, dropping her to the ground like a discarded rag. She curled up, gasping for air, but Patten never looked back. He just walked away.

Odette watched his back disappear into the dark, fear setting in for the first time. It had never happened before. She suddenly realized that the man who’d treated her like a queen could just as easily treat her like nothing.

In the stillness of the alley, the sharp click of high heels rang out, coming closer. The breeze carried a familiar perfume, and Odette struggled to push herself up. She stared at the figure approaching.

“What do you want?”

“Oh, I just came to see the show. What’s wrong, Odette? Your darling Patten just left you out here all alone? Wow, he really doesn’t care at all, does he?”

Cara flipped on her phone’s flashlight, crouching to inspect the new bruises blooming along Odette’s neck.