Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed novel Chapter 849

“So, what about you?”

“Heh… I’ve got my eye on the younger Rodriguez daughter! Word is, she’s gorgeous, amazing figure, and—most importantly—her grandparents adore her. If I could catch her attention, I’d save myself at least ten years of hard work!”

“Dream on, man. That’s the Rodriguez family we’re talking about! You? You don’t even have an invitation. Stop daydreaming.”

“If I’m not worthy, are you?”

“As a matter of fact, I am.”

…

Cliff drained the last of his wine, set the glass down, and let his gaze linger on the gold-embossed invitation lying on the coffee table.

“The Rodriguez family sure knows how to put on a show… Let’s see what fireworks they have in store.”

This time, the Cliffords, the Sherwoods, and the Gibsons were all invited.

Cliff, Murray, and York hadn’t been all that interested at first. But lately, rumors about the Rodriguez family had been spreading like wildfire—each more outrageous than the last.

Some said Ms. Aberdeen had gone missing and was sold off to some remote village, married off against her will, only to be cast out later for giving birth to a daughter. Others swore Ms. Aberdeen was as beautiful as an angel, and that her daughter was just as stunning—though, apparently, a little slow in the head.

The rumors kept swirling, but not a single photo ever surfaced.

Of course, the more mysterious things became, the more everyone wanted to know.

Cliff couldn’t help but get curious. “If I’m right, the birthday gala’s tomorrow. You two going?”

Murray said, “Depends.”

York shrugged. “Not sure.”

“Seriously, what’s up with you guys? Did you turn into monks or something? No fun, no curiosity?”

York spread his hands and grinned. “Hey, I’ve got a girlfriend now. I’ll leave you two bachelors to make fools of yourselves—especially you, Cliff. Try not to get your hopes up.”

“Aren’t we supposed to be playing cards? Are you in or not?” Murray cut in, sounding impatient.

Madge looked every bit the part of a matriarch in an elegant dress, her hair pinned up neatly at the back, poised and graceful.

As for Norris—

There was no way the old lady would have forgotten him. A week earlier, she’d hired a team of tailors to custom-fit a suit just for him.

Today, dressed to the nines with a perfectly knotted tie, Norris looked every inch the refined gentleman.

Standing shoulder to shoulder with Madge, they were the picture of sophistication.

For a moment, the grandparents were speechless, a wave of pride—and a tinge of regret—washing over them.

After all these years, they had missed so much of their daughter’s life…

But today, they would make things right. Today, they’d finally give her the place in the family she deserved—along with her husband and daughter.