From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 287

Laurinda lounged against Adolphus, feeling lazy and a little lost in thought about food. She was starving and couldn’t stop thinking about what she wanted to eat next.

“We have groceries. Foley dropped them off this morning. I’ll whip up something fresh and light. Go get ready first,” Adolphus said.

He nudged Laurinda, trying to get her off him, but she just clung on a little longer. He could see her mood had lifted. The tension he’d been carrying started to fade. As long as she was alright, that was enough.

While Laurinda was having breakfast, the intercom in the foyer lit up. Adolphus walked over and pressed the button, seeing a stranger waiting outside.

Before Adolphus could say anything, the man spoke. “Good morning, sir. I’m here to deliver something for Laurinda.”

Hearing her name, Laurinda set down her chopsticks and walked over. She glanced at the screen, her face instantly turning cold, and switched it off without a word.

Adolphus could tell something was up. He watched her with concern. “What’s wrong? Do you know that guy?”

“Yeah, I do.”

Laurinda didn’t feel like explaining. She went back to her seat, grabbed her phone, and called Jack. She asked him to take care of the situation.

Adolphus sat across from her, scooping a bit of salad onto her plate. His voice was gentle. “Don’t let people who don’t matter ruin your mood. Just eat.”

Laurinda took a bite of noodles and lazily looked up at him. “Aren’t you even a little curious about who that was?”

“I am. But if you don’t want to talk about it, I won’t push you. Tell me when you’re ready.”

Just like that, Adolphus’s words made Laurinda feel lighter. She put down her chopsticks, reached across the table to hook her finger under his chin, and leaned in to press a soft kiss to his lips.

She grinned. “Mr. Lane, you’ve got the whole perfect-housewife vibe going on.”

Harrell didn’t waste any time. “Bonnie and I already talked. She’s coming to The Black Family’s place to recover. She wants to spend New Year’s with Fidelia.”

Laurinda raised a brow at Harrell, then turned to look at Bonnie, who was curled up on the bed trying to disappear.

Spend New Year’s with Fidelia? That was a nice excuse. Fidelia was her family too. Laurinda wasn’t about to be left out.

She leaned against the bed frame and decided to give Harrell a hard time. “When did you two make that plan? She texted me just an hour ago saying she was coming home with me.”

Laurinda pulled out her phone and waved the chat messages in front of Harrell.

Harrell turned to look at Bonnie, his face full of mock betrayal. “So you’re just going to ditch me? Planning to sneak off with her while I’m signing your discharge papers?”

Bonnie just sat there quietly, not sure what to say. Yesterday, in a moment of weakness, she’d promised Harrell she’d spend the holiday with him.