From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace novel Chapter 99

Baily stared at the group of more than twenty people gathered by the dining room. A sudden headache hit him so hard he had to press his only good hand to his forehead.

“Whoever paid you before, go ask them. I don’t have your money.”

The Austin family was bankrupt. Everything Baily owned had been frozen. All he had was his private stash, and he needed that to pay for his treatments. He had to survive. There was no way he was about to hand out wages.

The butler didn’t even blink at Baily’s attitude. He answered smoothly, not a hint of surprise in his voice.

“If Mr. Baily won’t pay us, then we’ll have to help ourselves. Don’t worry, we’ll only take what’s worth the amount we’re owed. We’re not here to rob you. Everyone, just take whatever you see that’s equal to your pay.”

***

When Laurinda heard the news that the Austin estate was being stripped clean, she laughed so hard she folded over the table, barely able to catch her breath.

She almost wished she’d seen Baily’s face when it happened. She never expected the Austin family would fall this far.

Adolphus was gently dabbing ointment onto her hand. He looked at her, his eyes softening. “Alright, don’t laugh too hard or you’ll hurt yourself. Sit up, I’m almost done with the medicine.”

Sam, who was nearby, watched the scene unfold and felt like he was being force-fed a romance novel. Since when was Adolphus this gentle? Seriously, what was going on here?

Adolphus caught Sam’s look and raised his head, his voice calm. “Do you need something? If not, go do your own thing.”

Sam’s smile faltered. Was he getting kicked out? He muttered, “I was hoping to stay for lunch.”

This wasn’t his first time at the Austin house. Ever since he’d tried their food, he’d been coming up with all sorts of excuses to come back, but he’d never actually scored a meal.

Today, though, he was determined not to leave hungry.

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