From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 46

“Are you listening to me? Did you hear what I just said? Was it you who gave Aiken all that power?”

Baily’s frustration only grew as he watched Laura shrink into herself, barely meeting his eyes. She hadn’t said a word since she walked into the office, and there was nothing about her that suggested she could hold this family together.

Slamming his palm on the table, he barked, “Why are you just sitting there? Did you agree to kick out the managers?”

Laura flinched, finally snapping out of her daze. She looked at Baily, biting her lip, and it took her a long moment before she managed to answer.

“Grandpa, I really don’t know much about the company. Aiken told me what to do and I just did it. Every decision was his, not mine.”

Baily felt a heavy weight in his chest. Laura was just another disappointment, someone he couldn’t rely on. He glanced at his assistant.

“Go get those managers back. Have them come in and take care of things.”

“Yes sir, I’ll take care of it right away.”

The assistant hurried out, a sinking feeling in his stomach. He could already tell the Austin Group was in for a rough time.

With only Baily and Laura left in the room, regret crept in. Maybe he shouldn’t have sent Laurinda away. At least Laurinda had a mind of her own. She never listened to him, but she wouldn’t have let Aiken do whatever he wanted, either.

Now, with Aiken in trouble, the whole family was left directionless.

Baily looked at Laura, his voice icy. “What are you going to do about Aiken?”

Laura stared down at her hands, nervously picking at her fingernails. She didn’t even know what kind of family the Bakers were. How was she supposed to know what to do next? Aiken had brought her to Apex, thrown her into this mess, and told her nothing except to follow his lead.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify