From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 525

“Something? What do you mean?”

Laurinda blinked at York, looking genuinely lost.

She had no clue what he was talking about.

York took one look at her innocent face and realized he was probably just overthinking it. He didn’t push it any further. Instead, he asked about their next plans and headed out.

Adolphus and Laurinda stayed in Apex for another three days. One evening, as they sprawled side by side on the bed, Earl’s engagement news popped up in the form of a shiny digital invitation. Both of them frowned at the screen.

“This is so fast. Did Jed just… give in that easily?”

“I really don’t know,” Adolphus said. He honestly had no idea why the Main Family agreed to let Cathleen and Earl get engaged so quickly. Then again, it was only an engagement, not an actual wedding. Maybe something was still brewing behind the scenes.

“When are we heading back to Cabinda?” Laurinda flopped the tablet onto the bed and crawled over to rest her chin against Adolphus’s chest, curious to see the family drama unfold in person.

Adolphus absentmindedly ran his fingers through her hair. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed her shirt slipping off her shoulder, her pale skin catching the light.

“We’ll go the day after tomorrow. The contract with Baal gets signed tomorrow, and once that’s done, we can leave.”

“Alright. I’ll let Ladd know I’m taking a break from the lab stuff for now.”

Laurinda was just about to slip her hand under Adolphus’s shirt when a voice called from outside their room. “Miss Laurinda, Mr. Irvin is here.”

She froze in place. Glancing at the wall clock, she frowned and looked over at Adolphus.

“Why’s he here this late?”

“I was so buried in my studies while I was back in Cabinda that I didn't have time to keep up with any of the family gossip, so I honestly have no idea. The only thing Fidelia mentioned was that Nelly was hanging around the retirement estate, trying to push Earl and Cathleen together. Didn’t you ask your parents what’s going on?”

Irvin shook his head. “I asked my mom before I came over. She said she only found out when my grandpa announced it. Apparently, it was his decision. My parents weren’t even in the loop.”

That left Laurinda kind of shocked. Jed never struck her as someone who’d make decisions out of nowhere. Was there some secret benefit tying the families together?

She glanced at Adolphus, wondering if maybe he knew more about what was going on in Cabinda.

But Adolphus met her eyes and gave a small shake of his head, almost apologetic.

“I just heard about it, same as you. Nothing leaked out before this, and with my position, it’s really not my place to poke around. If you’re that curious, call Seraphina. She’ll know for sure.”

As soon as he mentioned Seraphina, Laurinda’s eyes lit up. Of course, Seraphina was in Cabinda right now. She’d definitely be in the know.