Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 666

"Your shenanigans have hit the internet, and now I've got a legion of authors banding together to sue you! They've got enough dirt to bury us in court, Nadine. If we end up in front of a judge, we're toast, no two ways about it!"

Nadine's eyes widened in shock. "How... How did this happen? Who put it online?! I thought it was just Madge coming after me. Why are the others...?"

"Did it ever cross your mind that shutting down a settlement would spread like wildfire? Other authors you've wronged would catch wind and eventually gang up for a piece of the pie!"

A legion of authors... all wanting compensation...

Even Nadine, who wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, knew this wouldn't just be chump change.

"Mr. Lucius, please, go tell Madge I'm open to settling. Whatever she wants, we can negotiate!"

"Too late! I reached out to Madge's daughter before coming here, and she's not interested in settling anymore."

"But... but why? Last time she was still willing to..."

Mr. Lucius sighed. "Opportunities knock but once. Miss it, and it's gone. The world doesn't revolve around what you want, when you want it."

Nadine felt a cold sweat break out, her legs turning to jelly.

This online exposure meant her reputation was mud. Even if she somehow crawled out of this mess,

there was no way she could continue in this industry.

And the looming financial ruin was enough to bankrupt her.

Lucius, please... I know I messed up... Please,

pity in his eyes. "I'm sorry, I've done

takes, just help me

Lucius shook

Win?

a

Nadine could easily land her behind

do is try to negotiate a settlement, not keep you out

eyes widened. Was it

regretted ever crossing paths with

say, part on good terms, and it

down in

...

a two-day stint in the hospital, ensuring everything was

from the hospital. "Mom, your favorite lavender roses to celebrate

honey! They're beautiful!" Madge took

feast at home and even set up a large fire pit with sage for

on, jump over it. Let's chase away the bad luck and welcome

life?

be

Madge and Roseanne settled

shook her

for her,