From Ashes of Scandals to His Embrace novel Chapter 204

When Laurinda walked back into the classroom, she noticed a new girl sitting by Harden’s desk. The girl’s eyes were red and puffy, wide with fear, like a startled little rabbit.

Laurinda recognized her right away. She was Aileen and Aiken’s daughter.

Laurinda walked over, pulled out the chair in front of her, and sat down. “So, you know what happened between me and your mom?”

Aggie nodded. She bit her lip and looked like she wanted to say something but couldn’t quite find the courage.

“If you already know, then you should get ready for what’s next. The Charles family isn’t exactly the safest place. If Finn agrees to take you and your brother in, I won’t send you off to Baily. Whatever your mom did, it’s not your fault. You don’t get to choose the family you’re born into.”

Laurinda remembered the files Bonnie had given her. Aggie hadn’t had the easiest life under Aileen’s thumb. As long as Aggie stayed out of trouble, Laurinda was willing to let her be.

Aggie looked at Laurinda, completely taken aback. She clearly hadn’t expected Laurinda to be so gentle. Honestly, she probably thought Laurinda would kick her out the moment she learned who she was.

“I get it,” Aggie said quietly.

“Good. Just don’t back yourself into a corner. Nobody wins that way.”

Laurinda reached into her pocket, took out a lollipop, and placed it gently on Aggie’s desk. Then she stood up and returned to her own seat.

A wave of noise drifted in from the hallway. Laurinda knew it was the crowd from earlier, coming back from all the drama.

Shirley came barreling over with Elaine in tow, grinning from ear to ear. Shirley held her hands up in a giant heart and said, “Laurinda, you’re amazing. Seriously, you’re our hero. You should have seen everyone’s faces after you left. It was priceless.”

Elaine nodded, backing her up. “You were so cool with Owen. He’s always hanging around the cafeteria, pretending to check the food but just making trouble for my mom and the aunties. He never leaves without getting something out of it.”

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