From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 541

Cathleen wrapped her arm around Earl’s, her smile dazzling.

She knew full well what kind of person Nelly was, but she couldn’t stand the thought of Earl having to deal with that disaster alone. She wanted to be there for him, to lend a helping hand.

As for Laurinda, Cathleen genuinely appreciated her, and she would treat Laurinda with respect—never letting her feel slighted or humiliated.

The group stepped into the banquet’s grand hall, and before they were fully through the doorway, they heard Nelly already boasting to a crowd about Cathleen’s impressive family connections.

Carla scanned the room for the Main family elders, but their faces were nowhere to be seen. She edged close to Len and asked curiously, “Are the Main folks all in the private lounge?”

Len shook his head. “No idea. It’s still early. Maybe they haven’t arrived yet.” He glanced toward Nelly, and understanding flickered in his eyes—suddenly, he understood the look his mother had given him earlier that evening. For the first time, he realized his parents had made the right call in skipping the event.

Adolphus, picking up on Laurinda’s sour mood, leaned in to murmur, “Not a fan of this place? Want to step outside for some air?”

Laurinda shook her head gently. “No, let’s go say hello first. Too many people are watching.” She released his hand and gave his arm a slight nudge toward the throng—her way of urging him forward.

But that was precisely what made Adolphus uncomfortable. Years of estrangement from Nelly had left him unsure how to break the ice.

Seraphina, who’d been observing quietly by their side, caught on to the exchange. She reached out, tugged lightly at Adolphus’s sleeve, and whispered, “Just follow my lead.”

When Laurinda heard someone call her name, she glanced over her shoulder, a faint frown on her lips. As soon as she recognized the man, her eyes narrowed. Someone from Northland?

“Laurinda, how unexpected to find you here!” the man exclaimed enthusiastically. “Just the other week, when I was working with Mr. Lacy, I inquired about your well-being. Never thought I’d actually see you tonight!”

Rodney watched, utterly baffled, as the man who had just been the center of attention was now practically tripping over himself to show Laurinda respect, his posture humble and almost pleading. What exactly was Laurinda’s background, that she inspired such awe?

Nelly, too, recognized Mr. Brown—and stubbornly clung to disbelief. Just yesterday, she and Rodney had been giddy over managing to invite Mr. Brown to the party. There was no way he actually knew Laurinda. “Mr. Brown, Laurinda’s just a girl from some backwater town in Apex—an orphan, no family, no connections. Surely you must have her confused with someone else. She—”

Before Nelly could finish, Mr. Brown cut in eagerly, almost excited. “No, there’s no mistake! Laurinda is the founder of Norwich Venture Capital in Northland...”