From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 250

After her father bought the house, he stashed all his treasured finds inside. When he passed, she kept the tradition alive, adding beautiful pieces she discovered along the way. As a kid, she’d always tagged along with him, watching him appraise antiques. She’d picked up more than a few things just by being around him, so she understood exactly how valuable these pieces were.

The three of them stepped into a smaller room off the main courtyard. Laurinda directed Adolphus and Teddy to set the boxes down on the table, then she reached for Adolphus’s arm.

“Come on, take a look. Which one do you think your mom would like? I picked these out just for her.”

Adolphus stared at the table, trying not to let his jaw drop at the sight of all the priceless antiques and paintings. This felt like way too much for a first meeting. These were the kinds of gifts that belonged in a museum, not in someone’s living room.

Laurinda noticed his hesitation and tilted her head. “What’s wrong? Nothing here catch your eye?”

He hesitated for a second. “It’s not that. These are incredible, but they’re way too valuable. My mom would probably be overwhelmed if she saw them.”

Laurinda frowned, then reached out and gave his shoulder a comforting pat. “Your mom’s seen it all. A few antiques aren’t going to faze her. It’s just good manners to bring a gift the first time you meet. You should pick something out for your dad, too. Can’t play favorites.”

Teddy, who’d been hanging back, finally caught on and tugged at Laurinda’s sleeve. “Laurinda, when did you and Adolphus get together?”

Hearing Teddy call him by his first name made Laurinda think of Irvin. She leaned casually against a cabinet, her voice lazy. “You know Irvin, right?”

“I…” Teddy started, but before he could finish, he felt a sudden chill on the back of his neck. He glanced nervously at Adolphus and forced a smile. “Who, me? I wouldn’t dare. Adolphus is a great guy…”

Adolphus shot him a look, clearly not buying his act. “Irvin already said everything you’re thinking. I’m serious about Laurinda. I don’t have a fiancée or some long-lost love. So don’t even try to stir the pot.”

It was rare for Adolphus to say so much, and Teddy’s awkward smile only grew. “Relax, everyone knows. The Charles and Lane families both made official statements. Everyone in our circle knows there’s nothing going on with you and Adah. I wasn’t trying to start anything. I’m just curious how you two got together, that’s all.”

Adolphus narrowed his eyes at Teddy, his tone turning sharp. “And I’m curious how you and Laurinda know each other.” He’d never really asked about Laurinda’s past, but seeing Teddy’s attitude, it was obvious their relationship wasn’t as simple as it looked.