From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 531

They played until the clock ticked past five, and for once, Irvin and Shirley got to feel what it was like to be carried by someone way out of their league. They leaned right into it, totally swept up in the fun. Honestly, gaming with Laurinda felt like unlocking a whole new world. This was what it really meant to enjoy a game.

Adolphus walked in from outside, with Egan and Foley trailing behind him. He settled next to Laurinda, casual and at ease. Adolphus watched Laurinda, a tender warmth settling in his gaze. No matter what she did, she always seemed to blow him away.

Laurinda flopped against Adolphus when the last round ended. She was exhausted. Playing with these people, she had to work twice as hard to keep everyone in the game. It took everything out of her.

Shirley and Irvin looked at her, itching for another match, but Laurinda just waved them off.

“We’re done for today. Go change, both of you. We’re heading out soon, and I want sushi tonight.”

At the mention of sushi, Shirley’s eyes absolutely sparkled. She’d been to that place with Laurinda before and had been dying to go again, but it was always booked solid.

“Okay, I’m on it!” Shirley called and darted off. Irvin saw how excited she was and headed to change too.

Adolphus glanced down at Laurinda’s outfit, then scooped her up right off the sofa. “Let me take you upstairs so you can get changed,” he said, voice low and sweet.

Laurinda slid her arms around his neck and gave a sleepy “okay,” letting him carry her away.

Off to the side, Egan and Foley sat on the edge of the living room, watching them go. There was a flash of scorn in their expressions.

Egan edged closer to Foley and whispered, “Adolphus seriously has no shame when it comes to her.”

Foley wanted to nod, maybe even snicker, but he held himself back. He remembered his own position in the group and kept his face blank, not saying a word. The last thing he wanted was for Adolphus to overhear and drag him into drama.

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