From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 460

Laurinda squeezed Adolphus’s hand just a little harder, her smile turning soft and sweet. She had known he could hear her, even when he was out of it. Having him awake beside her again felt like the best thing in the world.

“I went to Felix’s birthday tonight… Nobody bothered you while I was gone, right?” Adolphus’s voice was gentle but the worry in his eyes was obvious.

He’d been anxious ever since he heard she was going to that party. The thought of her being there without him, maybe getting picked on, had him desperately trying to wake up, but he’d missed it by just a little. He hated that she’d had to handle everything alone.

Laurinda laughed, full of her usual confidence. “Are you kidding? Who could possibly give me a hard time? Anyone who tried ended up embarrassing themselves instead.”

She stepped back from his arms, her delicate face lit with a proud delight. Honestly, she didn’t see Nelly’s drama as a hassle at all. If anything, she kind of wanted to thank her. If Nelly hadn’t insisted on making a scene about her birthday present, the whole room wouldn’t have found out how generous Laurinda could be. After tonight, nobody in Cabinda would dare look down on her.

Adolphus listened, and his eyes clouded a little. He could guess things hadn’t gone quietly. “Who gave you trouble?”

She shrugged, making light of it. “I wouldn’t even call it real trouble. Some people just thought I wouldn’t be able to bring out something impressive… maybe wanted to see me get embarrassed in front of everyone.”

Without holding back, Laurinda told Adolphus exactly what Nelly had done. She wasn’t the type to just let others take advantage of her. Even though Nelly didn’t manage to get what she wanted, Laurinda still made sure Adolphus heard the whole story. Maybe if he felt a little bad about missing the party, she’d feel like her own efforts mattered that much more.

He shook his head, irritation clear in his expression. “Nelly really hasn’t learned a thing, huh? I thought after everything that happened with the Charles family, she’d at least get a little smarter. Guess I expected too much.”

Laurinda saw his anger building and just patted his shoulder lightly, completely unbothered. “Hey, relax. You’re not supposed to get worked up, remember? Nelly didn’t get what she wanted. Instead, she ended up slapped across the face—twice—by your mom, in front of everyone. You should’ve seen her… I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone look more miserable.”

She grinned, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Best part? Ursula dragged her out and she never came back. I only saw Earl and Cathleen after that.”

Adolphus couldn’t let it go as easily as Laurinda. He made a mental note to remember what Nelly had done. He’d see to it she paid for it.

Even as he stewed, Laurinda leaned in and pinched his cheek, trying to lighten the mood. “So, when you were out, you must’ve heard me ask York to look into your family, right? I noticed something weird… Yolande doesn’t really match her profile. She was way nicer to me than I expected. Made me wonder if York got something wrong.”

“Yep. That’s her. Don’t worry, though, she isn’t in my camp, but she’s definitely not on Patten’s either. She thinks Patten’s too scheming and she’s not impressed with me—or any of our nonsense either. As long as we keep our distance, everything will be fine.”

Laurinda couldn’t help teasing him. “You’re so chill. What if Patten somehow wins her over?”

Adolphus snorted, still smug. “Not a chance. Patten doesn’t have her money or her power. She’d have to lose it completely to team up with him. Let’s stop talking about them. Stand up, let me see your dress.”

He’d been dying to bring up the subject since she walked in. The dress she was wearing was something else, with its deep V neckline that instantly had his temperature rising. Who in the world would pick something that daring for her? Were they asking to get in trouble?

Laurinda caught the look in his eyes and instantly blushed. She lifted her hand to shield her chest, her cheeks growing even hotter as she tried to slip away. “Um… I need to take a shower.”

But she barely took a step before Adolphus reached out, quick as ever, catching her by the arm and gently pulling her back. His voice was low and coaxing, “The dress looks amazing. Just let me have a proper look.”