From Ashes of Scandals to His Embrace novel Chapter 492

Laurinda just grinned at Jarred instead of getting upset. Her smile was so bright it was kind of disarming.

“You really don’t have to worry about me,” she said. “I can take care of this. It’s nothing I haven't handled before.”

Jarred hesitated. “But… I heard things haven’t exactly been easy for you lately. With the push for the institute to go independent, your research group’s funding dried up. A bunch of projects are on hold, right?”

She shot him a teasing look. “Jarred, it’s one thing if you want to go your own way, but why drag all those professors and grad students with you? Graduation’s coming up soon. Don’t you realize pausing projects means tons of students might not finish on time? That’s really not fair.”

Jarred’s jaw clenched. Honestly, he wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for that mess with the research materials. He’d come looking for help from Ladd, only to get turned down. Now Laurinda was rubbing salt in the wound.

“Oh, like you’re one to talk?” he snapped. “Ever since this place ran into trouble, all you do is sit back and throw shade. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you younger folks are in way over your heads with this.”

He glared at her. In his eyes, Laurinda only thought she was in charge because she had the funds. He wanted everyone to see the institute could run just fine without her calling the shots.

“Maybe young people aren’t perfect for this,” Laurinda replied, “but I know you’re definitely not. Look, Jarred, seriously, just stop for a second. If I can keep the institute afloat, you think I can’t keep a couple of small projects going? I’m not about to let this mess up anyone’s graduation.”

He was so frustrated he actually stumbled backward, and his assistant only just caught him before he lost his balance.

“You…” Jarred sputtered. “Even if I had to shut down every project, I wouldn’t take your money. There’s no way someone with my contacts can’t bring in new investment.” With a huff, he pushed past Laurinda and stormed down the hallway.

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