From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 276

Laurinda knew Locke was impatient, but she hadn’t realized just how impatient until he dragged her straight to the studio without a second thought.

Adolphus glanced around, taking in the place with a slight frown. “Locke, does this really have to be done tonight? She needs her rest.”

Locke didn’t even look up. “She can rest, no problem. As soon as Laurinda checks the equipment and makes a list of what she needs, she’s free to go. I’ll have everything ready for her by morning.”

He’d been stuck on this technical problem for ages, and now that he finally had a chance to fix it, he wasn’t about to waste a single minute.

Adolphus looked like he wanted to argue, but Laurinda stopped him with a small shake of her head. She sat down at the computer, pulling up some tests to check the network speed and computer specs.

Her phone started ringing. Adolphus handed over her backpack, and Laurinda took out her phone, glanced at the screen, and hung up without a word. She slipped it back into her bag and started typing again, completely focused.

She didn’t leave the studio for five days. When she finally stepped out, the tests had gone perfectly. Locke was swamped with follow-up work and couldn’t even come to see her off.

Waiting outside were Adolphus, Jasper, and Teddy. Jasper and Teddy were still in their base training clothes, looking like they’d just come straight from the field.

“Laurinda!” Jasper called out, running toward her. He stopped himself just in time, remembering how strong he was now and not wanting to knock her over.

Laurinda grinned, noticing how much more solid Jasper looked after just a few days apart. She raised her eyebrows in approval and ruffled his rough, buzzed hair.

The longer hair at the back was gone, but he was just as handsome as ever.

“What are you two doing here? Isn’t training keeping you busy?”

Laurinda stood and turned to Teddy. “How about you? Getting used to it?”

Teddy puffed out his chest and grinned. “I’m great. This is way better than the lab. I think I’m actually starting to get some muscle.”

Laurinda smiled at him, her eyes full of pride. There was no question he’d gotten stronger these past few days.

“Let’s go. We were supposed to have dinner with Seraphina tonight, but we had to cancel when we decided to come here last minute.”

Adolphus held out his hand. Laurinda smiled and took it with one hand, grabbing Jasper’s with the other. Teddy fell in behind them as they headed toward the parking lot.

Adolphus drove, Laurinda in the passenger seat. Jasper and Teddy crashed in the back, falling asleep almost as soon as the car left the base.