From Ashes of Scandals to His Embrace novel Chapter 229

Under the table, she reached for Adolphus’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. She had a feeling this was all part of his plan. Otherwise, there was no way Balaam and Regan would have invited Fidelia to stay here.

After dinner, Regan suggested they play mahjong. Fidelia jumped at the idea and was instantly swept up in the excitement. Laughter filled the room, and Fidelia was so caught up in the game that she barely noticed when Laurinda tried to talk to her.

Laurinda watched Fidelia, who was now completely focused on mahjong, and let out a helpless sigh. She slid into the seat next to Adolphus and put on a mock pout. “Now that she’s got mahjong, I don’t even exist.”

Adolphus met her eyes, a smile lingering on his lips. He reached over and playfully pinched her cheek. “Harrell’s staying here for the next few days. He’ll keep an eye on Fidelia, so you don’t have to worry.”

“Thank you,” Laurinda murmured. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat calmed her. In that quiet moment, she wished life could always be this perfect.

Earl saw them together and the sight stung, but he was surprisingly calm. He stood up, quietly passed along a few instructions to Harrell about Fidelia, then left the house.

Once Earl was gone, Adolphus stepped outside for some air. Harrell glanced over and offered him a cigarette.

Adolphus shook his head. “What did he say to you?”

“He said he’s leaving Fidelia in my care for now. He’s heading back to Cabinda for a blind date.”

Adolphus blinked, taken aback. “A blind date?”

It didn’t make sense. Earl wasn’t at the age where the Carl family would be rushing him into marriage. Was something bothering him that much?

Harrell just shrugged. “How should I know what’s going on with your family? You’re asking the wrong person.” He let out a short laugh. Harrell wasn’t close enough to know the Carl family’s business, but he could tell Earl wasn’t being pressured. This felt more like running away. He’d noticed the sadness in Earl’s eyes whenever he saw Laurinda and Adolphus together. Maybe the blind date was just a way to distract himself.

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