From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 314

He was exhausted. Lately, Kenny couldn't help but wonder if he’d gotten everything wrong. Nothing was turning out the way he pictured it. Even Laurinda seemed to be slipping further away from him each day.

That night, he fell into a restless sleep and dreamed he was a kid again, trailing behind a stubborn little tomboy.

“005, you don’t have to try so hard, you know? I’ll always protect you. When you grow up, I’ll take you back with me, just like my dad looks after my mom. My mom’s so delicate, she always says girls only need to be pretty, that they don’t have to be strong or anything.”

“005, are you even listening? You really don’t have to get tougher. As long as I’m here, I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

“005, I’ll always look out for you…”

***

Laurinda didn’t wake up until noon. When she wandered downstairs, the house was quiet except for Adolphus sitting on the couch with a kitten in his lap. She dropped down next to him and leaned against his shoulder.

“Why are you the only one here? Where is everyone?”

“Balaam and Regan took Fidelia to the temple, I think. York and Jack probably haven’t woken up yet. Teddy took Jasper out to see the festival, and Foley went to pick up Kendrick.”

Laurinda stretched, still half-asleep. She’d dragged herself out of bed just because it was New Year’s Day. Adolphus set the kitten aside and pulled her onto his lap.

“The butler said the nursing home called this morning. Baily’s gone.”

Laurinda froze for a second, but her face quickly settled into a calm, unreadable expression. She didn’t look upset at all.

Adolphus knew better. He could tell she was just hiding it. His voice was gentle as he asked, “Do you want to go see him? The nursing home said he left you a note and a key.”

Laurinda didn’t mind the company. She nodded. “Okay, let’s go together.”

Adolphus stayed on the couch. With York by Laurinda’s side, he didn’t need to be there too. Waiting here was fine.

When Laurinda and York stepped into the reception room, Baal had just sat down but quickly stood up again, giving Laurinda a gentle, almost fatherly smile.

“Happy New Year. You look like you’re doing well.”

Laurinda wasn’t in the mood for small talk. She smiled politely and nodded.

“Happy New Year to you too, Baal. You don’t look so great though. Still worried about the acquisition?”