From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 255

The words Seraph & Satin jumped out at Laurinda. Adolphus’s sister’s name was Seraphina. Could it really be a coincidence? Was the brand Henry wanted to work with actually hers?

She quickly typed out a message. “Is Seraphina the owner of Seraph & Satin?”

This time, Henry didn’t reply right away. Laurinda waited, checking her phone every few seconds, but there was nothing. After a while, she slipped her phone back into her pocket and tuned in to the conversation happening in front of her.

“I’ve already sent in my application for the collaboration,” Seraphina said quietly. “I just don’t know if Queen will pick me.”

It was strange seeing Seraphina so unsure of herself. Adolphus lounged back in his chair, looking completely at ease. “Want me to help you out?”

Seraphina raised an eyebrow. “You have connections?”

He shrugged. “Kind of. I know a guy who supplies diamonds to Queen. If you want, I can put in a good word for you.”

Adolphus knew how much designing wedding dresses meant to his sister. If she wanted it, he’d give her a hand.

Seraphina shook her head. “No, you know me. I like to do things on my own. If I get in because of you and then mess up, it just makes you look bad too. I’d rather let things happen naturally.”

Seraphina sat down beside Laurinda. She caught a soft, pleasant scent and leaned in, trying to figure it out.

“What perfume are you wearing?”

Laurinda smiled. “I’m not wearing any perfume.”

“Seriously? Then why do you smell so nice? It’s barely there, but it’s so good.”

Seraphina leaned closer, practically breathing Laurinda in. The scent was comforting in a way she couldn’t explain.

“It’s probably this,” Laurinda said, fishing a small sachet from her pocket. “Adolphus made it for me. I love the smell, so I always keep it with me.”

Seraphina took the sachet and inhaled. The scent was unique, calming and fresh all at once. “This is amazing. Where did you get it?”

Seraphina slumped back in her chair, staring at the ceiling. She’d always thought she was closest to Adolphus, but now she wasn’t so sure. Maybe she didn’t know him as well as she thought.

Meanwhile, Adolphus and Laurinda wandered through the garden until they reached his courtyard.

Laurinda tilted her head, a gentle smile on her lips as she watched him.

He caught her gaze and looked a bit self-conscious. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

She shrugged, still smiling. “It just feels like your family doesn’t know you very well.”

Adolphus hesitated for a moment. “I guess not. We’re not really close. My parents were always busy when I was a kid, and things were kind of chaotic at home. I was the youngest, so they didn’t pay much attention to me.”

He paused, glancing at the flowers. “Seraphina took care of me for a while, but I went abroad pretty soon after. I never really felt close to any of them.”