From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 222

Between Harden and Fabian, Laurinda definitely preferred Harden. At least he had some brains and knew how to play the game, unlike Fabian. That was exactly why Laurinda, even though she knew Harden was ambitious, had no intention of teaming up with him. She didn’t want to help create a future rival for herself.

But if it was the Gates family at war with itself? Laurinda couldn’t help but look forward to the drama.

After she made her point, Laurinda headed back to her room. Bonnie glanced around the empty living room, feeling an odd chill run through her. This was what it meant to strike at someone’s heart. Was the Gates family really about to face disaster from all sides?

***

The days slipped by in a blur of exam prep, and suddenly finals were here. By the time they finished, Laurinda still hadn’t heard a word from the principal about the investigation into the scholarship and aid applications.

She sat alone in the school infirmary, scrolling through her phone until she found the principal’s contact. She was just about to message him for an update when she heard some noise outside.

Foley was tidying up unused medicine when he noticed someone at the door. He stepped out and saw Aggie standing there, looking nervous and out of place.

“Are you here for medicine?” Foley asked.

“No, I’m looking for Laurinda. Is she here?”

Foley still remembered how badly things ended between Laurinda and Aggie. For a second, he thought about saying Laurinda wasn’t around, but he hesitated.

“Let me check if she wants to see you.”

He went back inside and told Laurinda that Aggie was waiting outside. He watched her face, waiting to see what she’d say.

Laurinda shook her head. “I’m not giving you a place to stay. But I can point you in the right direction. Here’s the address for the nursing home where Baily lives. He has some money set aside. Go to him. If you manage to get that, you and your brother won’t have to worry about anything. You’re Austin family kids. I’m sure he’ll help you out. That’s all I can do.”

Laurinda pulled a slip of paper from her pocket and dropped it on the ground. She’d let Aggie stay at school all this time just for this moment. Hopefully, Aggie wouldn’t let her down.

Aggie looked up, her eyes wide with disbelief.

She’d expected Laurinda to turn her away, but she hadn’t thought she’d be humiliated like this. If she went to see Baily, it would be like admitting she was just the Austin family’s illegitimate child.

A Charles family kid, or an Austin family secret... The difference was huge. Aggie couldn’t accept it.

“Laurinda, do you really have to embarrass me like this? I’m just asking to borrow some money. When Finn comes back, he’ll pay you back.”