From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 294

Balaam set his fingers gently on Laurinda’s wrist, checking her pulse. His face turned more serious with every moment. When he finally let go, his eyes stayed just as stern.

Josh hovered nearby, looking anxious. He clearly thought something was wrong with Laurinda’s health.

“Have you been taking the pills Adolphus made for you? On time?” Balaam asked.

“Of course I have. You know how he is, right? He counts every single pill. If I ever skip one, he gets upset,” Laurinda replied.

Balaam nodded, satisfied. That definitely sounded like Adolphus.

“If you’re taking your medicine, why are you still so worked up? Have you been stressing out again? Is it messing with your sleep? I’ve told you so many times, you’re still young. You don’t need to push yourself so hard. Your health should always come first.”

Laurinda couldn’t deny it. She lost her confidence for a second because, honestly, she hadn’t been sleeping well. Organizing everything for Stonehaven had left her exhausted these last few days.

“I remember what you said, and I really am trying. I feel fine, really. Anyway, it’s getting late. Why don’t I show you to your rooms? Josh has already got everything set up,” she said, eager to change the subject.

She didn’t want another lecture from Balaam, and she was even more worried he’d tell Adolphus she wasn’t taking care of herself. If Adolphus found out, he’d never let her hear the end of it.

Balaam could see she was dodging, but he didn’t push any further. Young people staying up too late was nothing new. Maybe he’d just make her some tonic soup later and let it go.

Josh led the group to their rooms and then out back to the greenhouse, where they could pick some fresh fruit and veggies.

Aileen hadn’t expected her to be so calm. She thought Laurinda would jump at the chance to get that list. Laurinda’s cool reaction made her nervous—would she help at all?

“I can tell you anything else you want to know,” Aileen said, her voice tight.

She was desperate. She’d already tried to see Finn when she was at Apex, but he’d refused, too worried about getting dragged down with her. She knew then that Finn and the Charles family were inseparable. He’d never risk everything for her children.

“Laurinda, you know I’m not going to beg, but I can still give you what you want.”

Laurinda watched her for a moment, her eyes narrowing. She kept her tone even and quiet. “Tell me what you know about my parents’ car accident.”