Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 679

Memories, long dormant, began to stir awake.

Fragments of the past flashed through Kathleen's mind, particularly the image of those despairing, tear- filled eyes that haunted her nightmares.

Her voice was raspy with emotion, "Why is Aberdeen's kidnapping blamed on me, just because I happened to be with her when she left? Is it fair to pin her disappearance on me just because of that?"

"If I had known it would come to this, I would have rather been the one taken. Then, perhaps my grandparents would be obsessing over my absence instead."

Kathleen seemed to be lost in her memories, tears streaming down her face, consumed by guilt. Corley couldn't bear to see his mother like this.

Remembering how his grandmother had recently become obsessed with a mystery novel titled "Seven Days," he offered Kathleen a suggestion: "Gran's been really into 'Seven Days' lately. Getting her a signed copy, especially one personalized to her, would make her day."

Seeing Kathleen's mood brighten at the suggestion, he quickly added a word of caution, "You know how Gran can be. Let's take it slow. Get the signed copy first and tell me; I'll help you present it to her..." Better to tread carefully than to make things worse.

alright, I get it," Kathleen dismissed the concern lightly. "A signed book, how hard can it be?" Corley, seeing her eager to move on the matter, held back further advice. He had

document needing his attention, and he rushed off to

but the title is 'Seven Days,' a new mystery novel. No matter

inscription say?" the butler inquired, having

life' or something," Kathleen pondered. That's the kind of thing

butler agreed and set out

end of the semester approached, the plant quarantine practical course was gearing up for its

exam.

test; students

be based on the accuracy and

and Mamie formed a

in the group chat, and on

already there, loitering in front

had arranged for five buses, four of