From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 269

Thalia barely got a word out before she realized the people who’d been holding her back had already let go. They stepped away, putting distance between them and her, and the looks from the crowd turned sharp and judgmental.

Her expression twisted. This wasn’t the reaction she wanted. She’d hoped to come off as the victim, not end up being the one everyone avoided.

Laurinda looked at her coolly, her tone light but cutting. “Your mouth is disgusting. If you’ve been spouting crap, maybe you should rinse it out in the toilet.”

Color rushed to Thalia’s cheeks. She pointed at Laurinda, her voice shaking with anger. “You… you…”

“What about me? Why don’t you repeat what you just said to Cathleen? She’s too nice, she can put up with your filth. I’m not that patient. You mouth off at me, I’ll clean it for you. What’s wrong? Still thirsty for more toilet water?”

Sam rushed over, his voice tense. “What’s going on here?” The second he saw Laurinda and Adolphus at the center of it all, his gut clenched. Seriously, who had the nerve to mess with these two?

Guests parted to make room for Sam. Thalia spotted him and instantly threw herself into his arms. Sam didn’t have time to dodge. She clung to him, sobbing, “Sam, they’re picking on me!”

Laurinda frowned, a look of pure annoyance on her face. She tugged Adolphus back, keeping a healthy distance. “Gross. Now you’re dirty too, Sam. You should keep away from her.”

Sam snapped back to his senses and quickly shoved Thalia off. Only then did he get a good look at the woman clutching him. His eyes widened with disbelief. “Thalia? That’s you?”

Sam acted fast, yanking Cathleen behind him and putting himself between the two. As Thalia charged, he kicked her back, his voice hard. “Thalia, cut it out or I’ll have you thrown out myself!”

Thalia landed hard, looking up at Sam in shock. She looked totally betrayed, her voice high and hurt. “Sam, you broke up with her! Why are you still protecting her? I’m your new girlfriend, how could you do this to me?”

Sam pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on. New girlfriend? Since when?

“I never said you were my girlfriend. The first time we met, I told you straight up, I’m not interested, don’t get involved with me.” His voice was cold as he glared at her. “I’m calling Pearce. He’s taking you home.”