From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 257

Adolphus settled beside Laurinda and gently placed a peeled tangerine in her hand.

“Her dress is ready, and we have someone else to pick up, so we won’t head over with you. Let’s just meet at the Bill Family’s place,” he said.

Laurinda bit into a piece of tangerine, her eyes curving as she smiled and nodded. Since she was going with York, it really wasn’t convenient for them to go together.

“Okay, but what about the day after tomorrow? Want to hang out? I can take you to Queen’s new launch event. If you see something you like, I’ll buy it for you,” Seraphina offered, her tone bright and welcoming. She honestly enjoyed Laurinda’s company. Being friends with her felt so easy and natural, nothing like the complicated socialites in Cabinda, who were always thinking about favors and their own gain.

“Sounds good. Just send me the address,” Laurinda replied.

“I’ll come pick you up. You just relax at home and wait for me. I promise I’ll make your whole day special,” Seraphina said, already buzzing with excitement.

Adolphus watched Seraphina’s enthusiasm and could already guess what she was up to. He squeezed Laurinda’s hand and leaned in closer. “Ready to go?”

Laurinda nodded. “Yeah, let’s head back.”

As they stood up, Felix and Tanya both looked over.

“You’re not staying? We even got your courtyard all set up,” Tanya asked.

“Not tonight. Laurinda’s stuff is still at Lunaria Lakeside, so we need to get going. Next time, if we want to have dinner here, we’ll call ahead,” Adolphus said.

He picked up Laurinda’s coat and helped her slip it on with gentle, practiced hands. Tanya watched and felt a little emotional. Her youngest son just kept surprising her in the best ways.

“Something? This is a masterpiece. It’s not just generous, it’s over-the-top. Does Adolphus know she brought something like this?” Seraphina was still in shock, wishing she’d had more time to admire the scroll before Ashby tucked it away.

“I’m sure he does. He carried it in himself. There’s also a vase—take a look at that,” Felix said, settling down on the soft chaise. His expression grew complicated. He’d never really figured out the true background of Laurinda’s parents, and now that their daughter was back, she was bringing gifts that only an extraordinary family could give.

“Dad, what’s on your mind?” Seraphina asked. She’d just finished looking at the vase and noticed her dad seemed lost in thought. It had been ages since she’d seen that look on his face.

“It’s nothing. Did you want to ask me something?” Felix turned to her, recognizing the way she looked when she was full of questions.

“Me? I don’t really have anything special. I just wanted to ask what you think of Adolphus’s girlfriend. I think she’s adorable. She’s young, sure, but there’s a kind of quiet maturity about her. And honestly, seeing Adolphus so willing to do anything for her… it’s impressive,” Seraphina said. She hadn’t known Laurinda for long, but she just had a feeling Laurinda was a genuinely good person, almost like she and Adolphus were meant to be together.

“They seem good together. It’s nice for Adolphus to have someone who can keep him in check. Anyway, it’s getting late, and I’m feeling tired. Go enjoy yourself,” Felix said, waving her off gently as he leaned back and closed his eyes.