From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 5

“If you’re tired, you should go rest. Tomorrow, I’ll have York bring you something to help you sleep.”

“As for the Austins, they’re beyond saving. The fortune my parents left behind just fed their greed. I hope they’re ready to deal with the mess themselves.”

“Kinsey, keep everyone here until morning.”

Kinsey didn’t know what Laurinda was planning, but he never questioned her. If she asked, he’d do it.

“Alright. Hiring someone for murder isn’t a small thing. We have to investigate properly. No one takes them away, no matter who they send.”

They traded a quick smile. The man glanced at his watch, then stood up.

“It’s late. Head home and get some rest. When you have time, come have dinner at Whispering Pines Lodge. The teacher really misses you.”

“Sure. Once I finish dealing with the Austins, I’ll spend a few days at the lodge. I just hope the teacher won’t be tired of me.”

Laurinda answered cheerfully and followed him through the back door of the police station.

As soon as they stepped outside, a slick, powerful Agentsdor pulled up. A little boy, maybe seven or eight, jumped out of the passenger seat and ran straight to her.

“Laurinda, happy birthday! I made a cake for you at home.”

Laurinda looked down at him, her eyes softening. He looked so much like her. She gently tousled his hair.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Jasper. Let’s go eat some cake.”

She took the keys, glanced at a Maybach parked nearby, and led Jasper to the car. She helped him into the passenger seat, got behind the wheel, and with a press of the pedal, they took off.

***

“Laurinda, this is too much. You left me locked up at the police station all night, while you just walked out…”

Before he could finish, Laurinda shoved a box into his arms. He stared at its contents, his eyes wide.

“What… What is this supposed to mean?”

“It’s what you wanted, Aiken. Isn’t it obvious?”

She pushed the box closer to him. Aiken clutched it, and all the exhaustion on his face vanished, replaced by excitement. He never thought Laurinda would hand over the company this easily.

“Check it, Aiken. Make sure nothing’s missing. If everything’s here, the lawyer will be here soon. I can transfer my shares to the real heiress right away.”

Aiken forgot all about dignity. He dropped down to the floor, opened the box, and started rifling through everything. When he saw all the company seals were there, he broke into a grin, thrilled beyond words.