From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace novel Chapter 119

Earl stepped out of Fidelia’s hospital room and sneezed. Rubbing his nose, he turned to the head nurse.

“It’s flu season. Make sure the rooms stay ventilated and disinfected. We can’t have the more fragile patients catching a cold.”

“Yes, Earl. We’ll take care of it.”

***

Adolphus took Laurinda out for dinner first, then they stopped to get her hair and makeup done. By six o’clock, they were standing outside the Gates family’s party venue, right on time.

Laurinda paused at the familiar steps, glancing at Adolphus with a soft laugh. “This is where I had my coming-of-age party. The Austins announced in front of everyone that I was a fake heiress and kicked me out. I sent them straight to the police in front of all their guests.”

She smiled, a little wistful. “I never thought I’d be back here so soon, especially with the Austins gone.”

Adolphus listened, turning his head just enough that she caught the warmth in his eyes. “Honestly, you should thank them. They got you away from all that ugliness.”

Laurinda leaned her head back and let out a gentle laugh. With someone who truly loved her, she didn’t need to say anything else. He was the only thing that mattered.

Harden heard Laurinda was here and rushed outside. As soon as he stepped out, he spotted them at the bottom of the stairs—the perfect couple.

The woman stood there, impossible to miss. She wore bold makeup, a sweep of red at the corners of her eyes, and her hair was curled and loose. Even under a long black down coat, she looked stunning, her beauty shining through.

Laurinda leaned into Adolphus, murmuring something. When she laughed, cute dimples appeared, and her smile was almost blinding.

Adolphus looked every bit the part—sharp features, broad shoulders, long legs, all cool confidence and quiet elegance. He leaned down a little to listen to Laurinda, his eyes soft, focused only on her.

Harden hovered by the door, feeling like his feet were glued to the ground. He wanted to turn back, not sure he could bring himself to break up the picture in front of him.

A voice came from behind him. “What are you doing out here? Weren’t you going to meet Laurinda? Why are you just standing there?”

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