From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 293

Laurinda hadn’t expected Aileen to cave so quickly. She didn’t hesitate, just agreed to meet her.

“Kinsey, could you set it up for me? I hope she actually has some useful evidence.”

“Of course. I’ll let you know as soon as I have everything arranged.”

Laurinda ended the call and settled back on the sofa, trying to guess what Aileen might bring to the table. Maybe there’d be something surprising, but she wasn’t holding her breath.

Josh walked over with a plate of fruit and placed it on the coffee table. He studied Laurinda for a moment.

“Laurinda, are you feeling alright?”

She looked tired, like she hadn’t slept well. Josh couldn’t help but worry.

“I’m fine, just a bit sleepy all of a sudden. Did you get the New Year’s gifts sorted? Has everything been sent to the nursing home?”

“Yeah, it’s all taken care of. The staff said Baily’s not doing well. Ever since the Charles family took Aggie and Lawrence away, he barely eats anything. It’s like he’s given up.”

Laurinda nodded, not surprised.

“He was hoping Aggie and Lawrence would get him out, right? I heard he already handed Aggie the password to his stash. Apparently, he keeps mumbling about losing everything.”

She let out a soft laugh, almost amused.

Baily was a schemer. He knew after everything that happened, there was nothing left for him to gain from her.

“Are you sure it’s because of Aggie and Lawrence? Not because of Aiken’s death?”

Laurinda never thought Baily had much heart. She always figured he only cared about himself.

“The nursing home hasn’t told him about Aiken yet. They’re worried he won’t be able to handle it.”

“That’s for the best. Let him spend another lonely New Year. He can see his son after the holidays.”

“I’m really back. I can’t believe it.”

Fidelia hugged Laurinda, her whole body shaking. She’d never thought she’d set foot in this house again.

“Hey, deep breaths. Don’t get too worked up.”

Laurinda wrapped an arm around her, speaking softly, not wanting Fidelia’s emotions to spiral.

Fidelia listened, calming herself down until she stopped trembling. Laurinda led her to sit on the sofa.

Balaam watched Laurinda closely, frowning at how tired she looked. It had only been a few days, but she already seemed exhausted.

“Laurinda, come sit over here. Let me check your pulse. Adolphus isn’t around and suddenly you stop taking care of yourself? Those dark circles are no joke.”

Laurinda touched under her eyes, a little embarrassed. She thought she’d been sleeping fine, but she didn’t argue. She just sat quietly next to Balaam, letting him fuss over her.