From Ashes of Scandals to His Embrace novel Chapter 92

Laurinda felt her stomach turn as she finished the video. Just picturing that blurred mess on the floor made her want to throw up. The whole situation was beyond ridiculous.

Baily was never exactly a genius, but the Austin family used to be a big deal. Now, after everything that happened, his name was basically ruined for good. No one would want anything to do with him. He’d go down in history for all the wrong reasons.

Laurinda handed the phone back to the nurse and asked for Baily’s room number. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she needed to see his pathetic state for herself.

Back in her room, she grabbed a fruit basket and practically skipped toward the elevator. Finn had dropped off the basket himself. He’d wanted to visit her, but Bonnie had turned him away at the door.

What was weird was that Finn didn’t even try to argue. He just set the basket down and left. That wasn’t like him at all. Laurinda couldn’t help but wonder what kind of hold Bonnie had over Finn. She’d asked, but Bonnie wouldn’t give her a straight answer.

When Laurinda reached Baily’s room, she hadn’t even knocked before the door swung open.

Jeniffer stepped out and stopped short when she saw Laurinda. Her expression went icy.

“Laurinda, are you happy now? Is this what you wanted for the Austin family? How can you even show your face here? I’ll tell you right now, even if you come crawling back, I’ll never hand the Austin family to you. This family has a man, and my son is the real heir.”

Jeniffer’s outburst made Laurinda remember that Aiken did have a son, though she’d almost forgotten about him.

“I wasn’t raised by the Austin family. My parents raised me. Without them, do you really think the Austin family would have what it does now? Come on, Jeniffer, you know the truth better than anyone.”

“They weren’t your parents. You’re nothing but a bastard.”

The slap rang out, sharp and sudden. Laurinda’s hand stung as it connected with Jeniffer’s cheek.

Jeniffer just stood there, stunned, her face frozen in disbelief. She never imagined Laurinda would actually hit her.