From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 296

“This is really good.”

“If you like it, have another bowl. The soup’s pretty mild, so it won’t upset your stomach.”

Angelica watched Laurinda eat, her face soft with affection.

“Alright, but you all should eat too. Don’t just watch me, it’s kind of awkward.”

Laurinda glanced around the table, finally noticing Sam sitting there. She nodded at him.

“You’re not heading home for the holidays yet?”

“I’m going back tomorrow. There’s still a bit I need to wrap up with the FarrVector partnership. I want to finish everything before New Year’s, so I can spend time with family without worrying.”

The Bill family had old roots in Cabinda, with lots of relatives and business connections. The New Year was always their busiest time.

Laurinda took another sip of soup, smiling as she nodded in understanding.

“If I’d known you were still in Apex, I would’ve had you take Raines’s New Year gift home. I only just had someone send it out this morning.”

Sam looked a little embarrassed when he realized Laurinda had gotten a gift for his grandfather. He’d only dropped by to join dinner and brought supplements for Bonnie.

“You’re too thoughtful. I’ll thank you for my grandpa.”

Laurinda waved him off with a smile. “You have no idea how much stuff Raines sent me for the holidays. He kept saying it’s my first New Year on my own, so I shouldn’t miss out. He even bought me a red down jacket, said it would bring good luck.”

Just thinking about Raines sending over all those gifts made Laurinda feel warm inside. He really did treat her like family.

Sam smiled with her. After the last birthday party, his grandpa had even wanted to make Laurinda his goddaughter.

The rest of the family wasn’t for it. They thought the age gap was too big. Laurinda was even younger than his youngest grandchild, so it just didn’t seem right.

“I said yes, but only if I got the list first. Aileen didn’t even hesitate. She gave me the storage locker password right away. I guess she’s really desperate.”

“The stuff’s already been picked up. I had someone send it to the police, so I probably won’t get the list myself for a while.”

Sam was completely confused. It seemed like Laurinda had promised to help, but she hadn’t actually done anything yet. He couldn’t figure out whether she really planned to help or not.

Laurinda just smiled at his puzzled face and didn’t say anything, letting him work it out on his own.

By the time Sam finally pieced it all together, he looked over at Laurinda, eyes bright with realization, but she was already gone.

Harrell walked over with a cup of tea and looked at Sam in confusion. “Lost in thought?”

“Just trying to figure something out. Harrell, you studied psychology. What kind of person do you think Laurinda is?”