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.

I know I messed up...

pity in his eyes.

takes, just help me

Lucius shook his

Win?

was a

evidence they had against Nadine could easily land

do is try to negotiate a settlement, not keep you out of jail."

eyes widened. Was it really

crossing paths

part on good terms, and it wouldn't have

down in

...

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

"Mom, your favorite lavender roses to celebrate your

you, honey! They're beautiful!" Madge

even set up a large fire

jump over it. Let's chase away the bad luck and welcome a smooth sailing, prosperous

life? I'm not

let it be

cleaned up, Madge and Roseanne settled on

shook her

her, she had