Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



"Aunt Edna, how could you think I'd ever wish for something like this to happen to you? My heart was racing with fear when I heard you were in trouble-we're in this together, aunt and niece, bound as one. How could I not wish for everything to be okay for you?"

"It's good that you understand that," Edna replied with a stern tone.

Just then, Sybil's phone rang.

"Hello?"noveldrama

Whatever was said on the other end made Sybil's face turn ghostly pale.

"...A surprise inspection? That can't be right! We just had one, didn't we? Okay, got it. I'll be right there!"

The call ended quickly, and Sybil turned to Edna, her body shaking. "Aunt Edna... this is bad..."

When Edna and Sybil arrived at the lab, they saw the fire department orchestrating an orderly evacuation.

Slater rushed over, his face a mask of panic. "Professor, both of our labs have been slapped with a notice by the fire department. We need to make certain improvements within a designated period..."

This scenario had unfolded just two months prior with Sue, Henry, and Lincoln, and now history was repeating itself with them in the hot seat. Edna couldn't believe her ears, but there it was in Slater's hands: the notice, clear and undeniable with its crisp black print and official seal.

"Wait a minute didn't we just have an inspection? Why another one? And why only our lab?"

Edna stopped the leading fire officer.

"First off, the fire department reserves the right to conduct spot checks whenever we see fit. It's to ensure that labs adhere to fire safety standards on a daily basis."

"Secondly, your lab was singled out because we received a tip this morning at nine stating that your fire safety standards were subpar. Hence, we organized this surprise inspection."

"And as it turns out, your lab does have issues. I'd like to know, why were your fire safety measures up to code during the last inspection, but now, just two months later, there are deficiencies?"

Edna was left speechless by the officer's words.

But she gleaned an important piece of information-

"A tip? Who reported us?"

"Sorry, but we cannot disclose that. We're leaving now—"

The group left as quickly as they had arrived, leaving Edna watching their retreat, feeling powerless.

Suddenly, she thought of someone, pulled out her phone, and dialed Madeleine's number-

"You sneaky snake! Was it you who reported us?!"

Madeleine was taken aback by the accusation as soon as she answered.

"...Your lab got reported?"

"Don't play dumb with me! Your handiwork is written all over

What's the point in this et

swhol

now?!"

"Oh, the irony! Isn't this what they call-what goes around, comes around?"

"You-"

t

Madeleine's tone turned icy: "Edna, the moment you decided to play dirty, you should've been prepared for the backlash. Karma, as they say, is only a matter of time."

With that, Madeleine hung up, leaving Edna fuming on the other end.

"Hello?! Hello-!" Edna was nearly

beside herself with rage, t

intense it made Slater gulp nervously.

After ending the call, Madeleine immediately dialed Roseanne-

"Hey, what's up?"

"Was it you who reported Edna's lab?"

On the other end, Roseanne paused her typing at the workstation.

"Looks like the fire department's pretty efficient. You've already heard the news?"

Madeleine was silent, processing the confirmation.