From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 270

Sam didn’t give Thalia a chance to react. He just turned around and walked straight to the lounge where Pearce was chatting with Raines.

When Thalia realized Sam was going to get Pearce, she didn’t look worried at all. In fact, she looked even more pleased with herself. She lifted her chin and shot a smug look at Laurinda and Cathleen.

“I’m telling you, once Pearce shows up, you’re done for,” she sneered, glaring hard at Laurinda.

Thalia had already heard about Laurinda from Adah. She was convinced Laurinda had only managed to attract Adolphus because of her looks. To Thalia, Laurinda was just another pretty face with no family background, only good for being someone’s plaything in their circle. She couldn’t wait to see Laurinda lose everything. She figured it was only a matter of time before Adolphus came to his senses and dumped her.

Laurinda turned to Adolphus with a lazy smile. “Does the Charles family have a family history of insanity, or is it just her?”

Adolphus looked back at her, the corners of his mouth lifting. “Could be. Mental illness does run in families, I’ve heard.”

Thalia’s face twisted with rage. She hadn’t expected Laurinda to insult her like that, right in front of everyone. Wasn’t she afraid of messing with the Charles family?

Thalia scrambled to her feet and lunged at Laurinda. “Laurinda, I hope you rot!”

A deep, commanding voice rose above the commotion. “That’s enough. Do you really think you can act out here?”

Everyone turned as Pearce walked into the room, his steps steady and his expression dark. He glanced at Thalia, taking in her messed-up appearance with a frown. “What happened to you?”

The people nearby were stunned into silence. With the way Laurinda had just stood up to everyone, no one would ever call her shy or sweet. They couldn’t believe Adolphus could say it with a straight face.

In the back, Abigail leaned over and nudged Locke’s shoulder. “You seem to be enjoying this mess. Aren’t you going to do something? Don’t let Laurinda get scared.”

Locke grinned. “Scared? No way. Laurinda might look sweet, but there’s no one with a sharper look in their eyes. Didn’t you notice? Adolphus isn’t even stepping in. He’s just letting her handle it herself.”

He looked so proud, as if he’d just watched a winning play. To him, Laurinda and Adolphus were a perfect match. He was more convinced than ever that his mother was right. The Lane family would be in good hands with Adolphus.

Pearce’s frustration was clear as he stared at Adolphus. His anger was written all over his face. “You’re really going to let her get away with this?”