Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed novel Chapter 809

"I... I'm not unhappy about it... it's just... so sudden, I can hardly believe it..." Good things like this never happened to people like him.

Mamie grinned. "So, does that mean you’re saying yes?"

Carlson hesitated, still in disbelief. "Are you sure this is really okay?"

Roseanne nodded. "Absolutely. As soon as Professor Payne read about what happened to you online, she contacted me right away. She even flew back from abroad just for you."

Madeleine Payne’s exact words had been: Carlson’s had it tough. I want to give him a hand.

Carlson's eyes shimmered with tears. "...I’d be honored. Thank you, Ms. Payne."

"Tomorrow afternoon, she’s invited you over to her house for dinner."

Carlson looked panicked. "Is that... really all right?"

Edna had invited him out to eat before, but always to some restaurant. There had been a few times she’d asked him to her place, but only to help carry packages or clean the house. It wasn’t until he started publishing papers that Edna had stopped giving him odd jobs to do.

Mamie looked at him, amused. "Why wouldn’t it be all right? Caley and I have been to her place plenty of times. Her housekeeper cooks the most amazing food—wait till you try her roast pork and her fried chicken... honestly, you’ll understand after you’ve tasted it."

Carlson managed a soft, "Okay."

Roseanne continued, "The professor wants you to keep working on your current project—finish your thesis first. The most important thing is to make sure you graduate in June. After that, if you’re interested in staying on for your doctorate, you can talk it over with her."

"Even though she told the university she wouldn’t take any more grad students, she’s making an exception for you. You’ll transfer to her group, and if you decide to continue for a PhD, you’ll have a smooth path—nothing will stand in your way."

"And if you’d rather go out and work instead, she’ll support that, too. It’s entirely up to you."

Madeleine had already thought through every possible path for Carlson and was making sure all doors were open to him.

"Thank you, Professor. Really. Thank you so much." His voice was thick with emotion.