From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 514

Adolphus’s expression went cold in an instant. No one had ever dared speak to him like that before.

Theodora noticed the shift in his face and completely misread it. She thought maybe he was finally swayed, or that he looked so upset because he felt out of place next to Laurinda.

“You—”

“You should just stop talking. Don’t think I won’t hit a woman if she deserves it. If there’s something wrong with your head, go get it treated.”

Adolphus’s voice was smooth and icy. He really didn't want to waste another second on someone so disgusting. He picked up Laurinda’s hand, ready to walk away with her.

He gave her fingers a gentle squeeze, but Laurinda didn’t move. He turned, brows drawn just a little, silently asking what she wanted to do.

“Shouldn’t someone who keeps coming after what’s mine get a proper lesson?”

Laurinda yanked her hand free, lifted her arm, and slapped Theodora across the face with no hesitation.

Theodora just stared, stunned. Her ears were ringing.

She hit me? Unbelievable. No one, not even her parents, had ever touched her. How could Laurinda? How dare she?

“Laurinda, I can’t believe you actually hit me!”

Laurinda offered Theodora a cold, mocking smile, watching as the other girl’s anger reached its breaking point. Her eyes sparkled with challenge and disdain.

Theodora, livid now, couldn’t even get the words out. She raised her hand and rushed at Laurinda.

But she never got close. Adolphus stepped in, his leg shooting out to kick Theodora hard in the hip. The next moment, she was tumbling down the stairs.

Shirley and a few other girls hurried to her side, faces full of worry.

Laurinda wasn’t exactly sure what Theodora’s deal was, but Shirley and the others had been around long enough to know. They even met Theodora’s mom—they could just tell she wasn’t a pushover.

“You all go upstairs. Let me handle things down here. Laurinda, take your classmates up.”

Adolphus stepped forward. Earlier he’d wanted to just leave so Laurinda could enjoy her party, but now that things had gotten physical, this was about more than just some petty argument. It was best if Laurinda got out of here for now.

Laurinda gave Shirley and her friends a reassuring smile, nodded at Adolphus, and turned to her classmates. “Don’t let people like this ruin your night. Come on, let’s head inside.”

She spun around and led everyone back into the club. Adolphus stayed where he was, face tight as he watched the ambulance pull up.

Foley climbed into the ambulance with Theodora to take her to the hospital. As for Theodora’s little crew, they just stood there frozen, totally lost on what to do next.