Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed novel Chapter 523

"Come on, Mom, get it straight. I'm your son, not Leda. Since when do you threaten to break my legs over her?"

"Just because she's the daughter-in-law I've chosen. No one's allowed to mess with her, and that includes you."

York felt a lump in his throat at the mention of 'daughter-in-law'...

Turning away, he crossed his arms and huffed, "She's got too high standards, doesn't care about your... stuff."

Nor about me, her supposed fiancé!

"Well, you got that right," Katrina nodded in agreement. "Leda does have high standards. But she's got every right to aim for the best, don't you think? Not everyone is like you, sneaking around like some alley cat, never knowing if you're coming or going..."

York spun around, shouting, "I'm your flesh and blood, for heaven's sake!"

"I know, no need to yell and break my heart."

"...What?"

"I left the stuff for you to give to Leda. Make sure she gets it soon, you hear?"

"Saw that, won't reply."

Katrina went straight for the jugular, grabbing his ear: "Did you hear me?"

"Ouch, ouch, ouch! Yeah, I heard you!"

"Oh, and next weekend, I've organized a little get-together. Make sure you bring Leda along, it'll be a nice way for her to meet my old gang!"

"Really, do we have to?" York's eyes flickered with unease. He had already burned bridges, how was he supposed to bring her along?

Was this a suicide mission?

Katrina's face darkened: "Of course, we have to. Just do as you're told, will you?"

"Fine, I've got someone waiting for me downtown. I'll leave first. Don't forget to call Leda."

Too bad, they were already done.

Leda was now fretting over finding someone new to keep her mother satisfied...

What a headache.

If only she had been more cautious that night, she wouldn't have lost such a valuable partner.

...

Unaware of Leda and York's drama was Roseanne.

After Madeleine Payne returned from a conference in Australia, she was off again to a symposium in Ravenport, this time with Roseanne in tow.

They were gone for five days, setting back their lab work significantly. So, upon return, Roseanne, without even unpacking, dashed for the lab.

But she found the lab door shut tight, with Mamie and Scales sitting in the hallway, looking like two lost souls...