From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 320

Laurinda gave a quick nod, staying out of the siblings’ drama and turning her attention back to her game.

A moment later, she pushed her tiles forward with a grin. “That’s it. I win. Self-drawn.”

Harrell just stared at his losing hand, a mix of confusion and regret on his face. Now he understood why Bonnie had given him that sympathetic look when he’d said he was going to play against Laurinda.

Laurinda scooped up her winnings with a satisfied smile and stretched her arms over her head. “Foley, you take over. I’m tired.”

Before Foley could even react, Laurinda gently pulled him into her seat and headed straight for the stairs, her long legs taking the steps two at a time.

Adolphus came in from outside, glancing around for Laurinda. “Where’s Laurinda?”

“She said she was tired, probably went to her room to rest. Maybe you should check on her,” someone replied.

Adolphus just hummed in response and walked upstairs. As he reached the second floor, he heard Laurinda’s voice coming from Bonnie’s room. Not wanting to interrupt, he went straight to Laurinda’s study instead.

Once inside, Adolphus opened his laptop. After a few moments, the screen lit up with the face of a blond, blue-eyed man.

“Adolphus, we’re in Mistfall Atoll right now. We found something about what you asked. The people who hurt Laurinda aren’t local. They followed her when she arrived. Their tracks have been erased, but we’re still trying to trace them.”

“Keep looking. And don’t forget the one who betrayed her,” Adolphus replied.

He already had his own theories. The longer he spent with Laurinda, the more certain he was that her past was anything but simple. He suspected these people were tied to her background, maybe even from Stonehaven.

Adolphus walked in just as Laurinda was eating breakfast. He sat down next to her, and she immediately caught a faint scent of incense hanging around him.

“Where did you go so early? Why do you smell like incense?” she asked, curiosity in her eyes.

Adolphus looked at her, his gaze soft and full of warmth. He leaned in close and whispered, “I visited Cupid’s Temple.”

Laurinda was caught off guard. She knew Adolphus wasn’t the type to believe in fate or higher powers. The last time he’d gone to a temple with her was just to help her sleep better.

“What? Are you serious?” she asked, still a bit stunned.

He nodded, a gentle smile playing on his lips. “I know, it’s not like me. But ever since I met you, I’ve started to believe. If it means I get to be with you forever, I’ll believe in anything.”