Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 847

Long ago, back when Madge first disappeared-when the police scoured every corner and finally gave up in defeat-Geneva's suspicions toward Kathleen began to fester.

The sisters had left the house together, but only Madge was abducted. If the kidnappers were after money, wouldn't it make sense to snatch them both? Two hostages would fetch a higher ransom than one. No kidnapper in their right mind would leave that kind of cash on the table.

And if this was about desire instead of money, then all the more reason to take

both girls.

But in the end, Kathleen returned home unharmed. What did that say?

Geneva's doubts peaked when Kathleen married Teague. After Aberdeen disappeared, Kathleen had the most to gain. There were simply too many suspicious details.

Geneva's voice trembled as she recalled, "I have no proof-I can't go to the police and have her arrested. But in my heart, I've always known she's the culprit. I can't stand to live under the same roof with her, let alone pretend to be her loving mother."

If she lied to herself, what justice would that do for Madge?

If she forgave the murderer, how could she ever face her daughter?

These two thoughts consumed Geneva's mind at the time.

No! She could never-would never-forgive her.

kept her distance, why she couldn't help but lash out, why

Kathleen to

to deny her everything she

the world, but she could control

eyes were heavy with sorrow. "You've been carrying all this alone...

I'd told you, would you have believed me?" Geneva shot back. "You always thought I was cold and distant with Kathleen, thought my temper had grown strange. With that in mind, I knew you'd never

man clutched his

sorry... Aberdeen... Geneva... I'm

cut in gently, "Dad, please. I'm not telling you all this to make you feel regret or pain. I just want

each word with emphasis. "Don't ever give

her daughter's hand, tears streaming down her cheeks as she nodded. "Yes. From this day forward, no

to his feet. "No! We can't let her get away with

planning?" Geneva

pay for what she's done!" Neely's voice

stopped him at once. "Don't be foolish! We just got Madge back-don't do anything that would

free?" Neely's jaw clenched so tightly

it, no matter how much time has passed, she's bound

what are

were never caught, right?" Geneva pressed. "We keep looking for them. Madge,