From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 539

Adolphus let out a quiet, amused laugh. He might not spend much time with the younger generation, but he still kept an eye on them—the future of the Lane family was, after all, in their hands.

Laurinda looked a little surprised. Something crossed her mind and she arched an eyebrow. “I heard you asked the president of Cabinda University for two reserved spots. Was that for him?”

“No.” Adolphus was taken aback that Laurinda even knew about this, but he answered evenly. “It was for Irvin—didn’t expect he’d end up being the one who needed it. The other one… was actually for you. But when did you and the president of Cabinda University cross paths?”

Laurinda gave a soft smile, not bothering to keep it a secret. “I’ve known the university president for a while. I actually sat for the college admissions exams four years ago. But because of some unusual circumstances, I never ended up enrolling. I deferred.”

“Four years ago?” The news caught Adolphus completely off-guard. His brow furrowed as the implications dawned on him—Laurinda would have only been fifteen. She’d already taken the exams back then?

She nodded. “Yeah. Four years ago I joined a fast-track youth program and took the exams the same year. I scored well, well enough that the university president personally invited me to enroll at Cabinda. I agreed, but then a few things happened and I needed to defer. I’m planning on going back this year.”

Adolphus let out a quiet sigh as her words sank in. He’d always guessed her supposed struggles in school were just an act, and he understood why she hadn’t wanted to take the admissions exams again. But it had never even crossed his mind that she’d gone through all of that—let alone that Cabinda University had offered her a place four years ago.

“What happened back then, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“There’s nothing to hide, but let’s talk about it back home. Now’s not the time.”

Laurinda relaxed against him. If it hadn’t been for Mason, she probably wouldn’t have thought to come clean about all this. Still, the thoughtful way Adolphus looked after her made her heart warm with gratitude.

“Alright, then. Just promise you’ll tell me everything when we’re back.”

He slipped an arm around her waist, gliding his hand lightly along her side, caressing her through the thin fabric of her dress. Laurinda squirmed and caught his hand, trying to stop his wandering.

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