Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Overseas?"

"Yes, these two books are topping the charts in electronic and physical sales in Southeast Asia."

Madge was stunned again, "I had no clue these books were even published abroad..."

"I've done some rough calculations, and over the years, 'The Assassin's Art' and 'Desolate School' have brought in at least five..." Roseanne stretched out a hand.

"Five hundred thousand?" Norris guessed.

"Come on, Dad, think bigger."

"...Five million?!"

Roseanne shook her head, "Fifty million. And that's a conservative estimate."

Norris was speechless.

Madge, gently taking her hand, "I know you must be feeling a mix of emotions right now,

make up for lost time. I get it, it's not just the money that stings, but seeing your work go unnoticed that really hurts. I mean,

works you've completed over the years but haven't published to an editor. Go see him;

a deep breath,

heard from the guest room, along with Norris' gentle words

at the ceiling, equally

day, Roseanne and Norris accompanied Madge to a coffee

office building and past lunchtime,

lazily at the counter, yawning at the sound of the door chime before closing its

a man with a square jaw, wearing black-framed glasses, a simple

glanced outside, seemingly waiting for someone, the door's noise caught his attention, and he quickly stood up, making his way toward Madge. "Ms. Wood, good day, I'm Stoner

brief nod to Roseanne and Norris, he suggested, "Shall we talk while your family waits outside?" Madge

courteously pulled out a chair for her and ordered a lemon water

in a state of detachment, overwhelmed by a sense of grief and powerlessness, unsure of where to

career to Nadine,

there was no denying