From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 251

“I know his grandfather. If nothing unexpected happens, he’ll be sticking with me from now on.”

As soon as Laurinda said that, everything clicked for Adolphus. That explained why she was going to the research institute.

He didn’t ask any more questions. Instead, he glanced over at Teddy and gave Laurinda a knowing look.

“If he’s joining you, why not send him to the Flame Training Base for a few days with Jasper? He can’t afford to be out of shape.”

Laurinda’s face lit up. “That’s a great idea!” She turned to Teddy, her eyes bright. “I remember you went through special training before, right? You should be able to handle a crash course at Flame. You’re on break now, aren’t you? How about spending some time there?”

Teddy knew all about the Flame Training Base. All the kids from big families in Cabinda got sent off for training, but usually just to regular bases.

Flame Training Base was a whole different level. Hardly anyone outside the Lane family had ever set foot there. Just thinking about it made Teddy a little excited.

“Sounds good, I’m in,” he said.

“Perfect. Go pack your stuff. Garry will take you over in a bit, he’s heading back to the base anyway.”

With a wave of his hand, Adolphus sent Teddy off. Anyone hanging around Laurinda couldn’t afford to be a weak link.

Once Teddy left, Adolphus grabbed the gifts Laurinda had prepared for his grandparents and led her outside.

Laurinda paused at the front door, noticing there were no cars parked outside. “How did you get here? Where’s your car?” she asked, puzzled.

“I walked,” Adolphus replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Funny thing is, my mom’s house is right next door to yours.”

He nodded toward his family’s place, and Laurinda’s eyes went wide with surprise.

“Wait, your family lives next door? In that big house with the three courtyards?”

Laurinda had always loved the cherry trees in that yard. When she was little, she used to sneak over the wall to pick cherries, never once running into anyone who lived there. She’d had no idea that was Adolphus’s mother’s home.

She could see how much respect Adolphus had for Ashby. The way he treated him was so different from anything she’d seen in the Austin family. There really was something special about families with deep roots.

“Welcome, Laurinda,” Ashby replied kindly. “Felix and Tanya are waiting for you both. Come on in.”

Ashby led the way, glancing at the gifts in Adolphus’s hands. He could tell just by the packaging that they were expensive, but he didn’t try to take them.

Inside, Felix and Tanya sat in the main hall, sipping tea and trying to look calm. But beneath the surface, they were anything but relaxed.

Tanya glanced at the door, worry on her face. “Why are they taking so long? Do you think Laurinda doesn’t want to come in?”

Felix gave her a soft chuckle. “Why are you so anxious? Ever since you found out Adolphus had a girlfriend, you haven’t slept well. Now that he’s finally bringing her home, you’re even more nervous. I don’t remember you acting like this during business meetings.”

He reached over and patted her hand. “Don’t worry. Adolphus said he’d bring her, and he will. We already agreed, didn’t we? Once she walks through that door, she’s family. There’s nothing to worry about.”