From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace novel Chapter 74

The Austin family sat there in stunned silence, unable to believe what they’d just witnessed. For as long as they could remember, they thought Laurinda’s power in Apex came only from the Austin family name. They figured people respected her because they had to respect the Austins.

Today proved them completely wrong.

Now, the Austin family was nothing but the punchline of Apex’s jokes. Every family, big or small, took their turn laughing at them. Even if they wanted to protect Laurinda, nobody would care. Their backing meant nothing now.

Laura stood beside Baily, her emotions tangled and heavy. She’d always imagined her life would outshine Laurinda’s someday. But after Bonnie had put her in her place, those dreams dissolved. There was something about Laurinda she just didn’t have.

Watching everything unfold, Laura finally accepted the truth. Laurinda was someone she would always envy, someone just out of reach. Especially after the Gates family’s warning, the differences between them felt even starker. There was no comparison—never had been, never would be.

Finn felt the same confusion and frustration. He’d interacted with Laurinda before, but he never understood where her quiet confidence came from. After what happened with Fabian, and after seeing that other woman’s ruthless methods—so bold that Finn could only seethe in silence—he stopped underestimating Laurinda. That woman claimed she was Laurinda’s friend, but Finn didn’t buy it. He’d seen the way she spoke about Laurinda, the unwavering loyalty in her eyes.

Finn turned away from Laurinda, lowering his voice as he spoke to Harden, who stood at his side. “See that girl? I want you to go after her. If you can win her over, I’ll give you five percent of the Gates Group’s shares.”

Harden looked at Laurinda, ambition flickering in his gaze, but he shook his head. “I can’t. I don’t have what it takes. She’s not someone I could ever hope to be with.”

Finn blinked, caught off guard. He’d seen that spark in Harden before, that restless hunger for more. “Just give it a shot,” Finn urged. “What if it works out? I’m not asking you to sweep her off her feet overnight. Take your time. I’ve already arranged for you to transfer into Apex School. You’ll have plenty of chances.”

He clapped Harden on the shoulder, his face full of encouragement. He couldn’t afford to mess up again. One son was already a lost cause. This time, he was determined to make Laurinda his daughter-in-law.

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