From Ashes of Scandals to His Embrace novel Chapter 476

“What happened to your face?”

Ladd didn’t look shocked that Laurinda hadn’t recognized him. When she brought up his face, his expression faltered for a split second, but he quickly recovered.

“It’s been three or four years since it happened. There was an explosion in the lab. I got burned when I tried to save some of the data. Anyway, let’s forget about my face. You’re here for the exam too, right? A few other students are here for it today, so you’ll all take it together.”

He started walking into the lab building, barely giving the scars on his face a second thought. He spent most of his life inside the lab and never cared about his looks. If Laurinda hadn’t mentioned it, he might’ve completely forgotten about the injury.

Laurinda and Teddy walked behind him, both feeling a little complicated inside. It wasn’t that they thought Ladd’s scars were frightening. They just felt sorry for how hard these scientists worked and everything they went through.

“Teddy, go sit in my office for a bit,” Ladd said over his shoulder. “Help me sort out some experimental data while you’re waiting.”

Teddy hadn’t expected to get drafted into work just for coming along as company. Still, he nodded, accepting his fate, and headed for the office, while Ladd led Laurinda toward the exam room.

As they walked, Ladd shot Laurinda a warm, almost fatherly smile.

“I remember when you were just a little kid running around the research institute. Hard to believe it’s only been a few years, and now you’ve grown up so much.”

Laurinda’s mind flashed back to memories of her childhood. She remembered Ladd back then, right after getting his PhD, so full of pride and never afraid to stand up to authority. In fact, people at the lab used to call him a troublemaker.

Whenever her dad talked about Ladd, he’d always look exasperated.

Laurinda smiled, thinking about those times. That was a part of her life she couldn’t go back to, but also when she felt the happiest and most free.

Ladd heard her laugh and glanced at her, suddenly reminded of her parents. Realizing he might have said too much, he tried to steer the conversation away.

“Vida knows you’re here for the exam. She wanted to come too, but she’s busy with her project. It’s at a critical point, and she probably won’t be able to get away for a couple days.”

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