Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 460

Chapter 460

Roseanne was already on the express train back to Pinehollow.

Grandma Joie was turning eighty, and the Cole brothers had decided to throw a grand bash for Joie.

Of course, that meant the younger generation, including Roseanne, were expected to make the journey back home.

The dates were set well in advance, spanning three days that weren't holidays, so she had no choice but to request time off.

Madeleine Payne was still abroad at a conference, making her unavailable due to the time difference. Instead of calling, Roseanne opted to send an email requesting leave in advance. Fortunately, Madeleine was understanding, not only granting the leave but also sending along some warm wishes for Grandma Joie.

At two in the afternoon, the express train pulled into the station.

Madge was there to pick her up in the car.

"Where's Dad?" Roseanne asked, looking around the car and finding his absence peculiar.

Madge had a driver's license but disliked driving, so these "menial tasks" usually fell to Norris Cole.

Why not today, though?

Madge sighed, "Your dad's busy."

it's Sunday, he's not

could he be

they delved into the topic, Madge couldn't help

Roseanne's curiosity piqued.

"It's a long story..."

significant birthday and Grandma Joie loved a lively atmosphere, although the main celebration was the day after tomorrow, relatives from all over had arrived two days early. With over a dozen people, finding accommodations

and Grandma were living in a villa with the eldest, Maddox Cole, but it wasn't

cramming a bunch of country relatives into the

out. Maddox's

the family meeting, Joie's strong-willed nature was

this, she looked expectantly at Irving and

it naturally fell to the second and third sons to find a

first to speak up, "Mom, I

those relatives could turn it upside down in a night. You might not mind, but

post-divorce, paid meticulous attention to her appearance

of hosting

but with Joie making the request, as a dutiful daughter, she

her be

exempted Alva with just a few

was squarely on Norris and

was about

Irving's wife, chimed in with