From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 500

“Alright, you guys stay and hang out. I’m tired, so I’m heading back.”

Laurinda stood up right after she said it. Adolphus got up too, following her out. York saw Lucas sitting there looking all moody and got annoyed, so he left as well.

Renata glanced at Lucas, gave him a gentle nudge, and spoke up with a little bitterness in her voice. “He literally gave you a chance to explain. Why wouldn’t you? I saw you crying that night. You didn’t want to leave. Why don’t you just admit it?”

Lucas turned and looked at her. Renata’s eyes were rimmed red with frustration, and it made him soften a little. He gave her a gentle, almost sad smile.

“Renata, when something’s over, it’s over. Explanations don’t matter anymore. We can’t go back to how things were. Honestly, just being able to sit down at dinner again already means a lot to me. Maybe next time, I’ll treat you to a meal.”

He reached out, ruffled Renata’s hair, then stood up and looked at Josh.

“Josh, could you take me back to campus?”

Hearing Lucas call his name in that quiet way nearly made Josh tear up. He rushed to reply, stumbling over his own words. “Of course, just give me a second. I’ll change and drive you back right away.”

“Okay, I’ll wait for you by the door.”

Lucas turned and walked out of the dining room. Renata wanted to follow him, but Egan reached out, caught her arm, and gently pulled her back to her seat.

“Going after him won’t help,” Egan said, keeping his voice low. “He’s already shown he doesn’t want to talk about it. Why push it?”

He watched Renata’s restless expression, feeling a pang of frustration that he couldn’t really explain. He didn’t know who that guy was, but it was obvious there was something important between him and Renata.

After that dinner, Laurinda didn’t see Lucas again. She knew he still worked in the same lab, but just never asked about him. Maybe it was better this way, both of them focusing on their own lives and letting things be.

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