Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



"It was all thanks to Mr. Sullivan's two crews going above and beyond..."

Originally, they were just borrowed for some basic construction work, but Halley quickly realized she'd underestimated their capabilities.

Beyond the foundational stuff, these folks were wizards with renovations and choosing the right materials.

So, once the basic structure was up, Halley decided she wasn't quite ready to give them back to Corley.

Next up were the interior design and setting up the smart home system.

"...Mr. Sullivan's cool with that?"

Upon hearing this, Roseanne also turned to look at Corley.

Meeting her gaze with a slight smile, he said, "No problem at all."

Whenever she'd ask, he could muster up more hands.

"Thanks a ton, Mr. Sullivan!"

"Call me Corley."

Roseanne: "..." Here we go again.

Halley: "Heh, thanks, Corley."

Corley: "?"

After they'd nearly finished their meal, Halley got ready to foot the bill.

But Corley had already beaten him to it, striding over to the cashier: "Ma'am, what's the damage?"noveldrama

"Did Mr. Sullivan enjoy his meal? How did the surf and turf go down today?"

Corley turned to Roseanne, "Ask her."

The lady behind the counter beamed at her.

Roseanne spoke her truth: "Delicious."

"Glad to hear, glad to hear! That dish has been flying off the shelves lately, even outdoing some of our classics. It's been great for business. In fact, we owe Mr. Sullivan a big thank you for his golden suggestion."

Corley scanned a code to pay, pocketing his phone: "No thanks needed, thank her."

The lady's smile grew even wider, her glance flitting between Roseanne and Corley: "Of course! Much appreciated!"

Stepping outside, a chill wind blasted them, creeping down their collars.

Roseanne quickly zipped her down jacket all the way up but still shivered.

The next moment, Corley unwrapped his scarf and draped it around her neck.

Roseanne blinked in surprise,

need, my jacket's zipped all

take it off: "No need, r

s the wind..." Contenaet

Corley wouldn't have it: "Just wear it."

Roseanne: "..."

belongs

...

At the gates of Elite Business University, Mamie and Scales were leaving the lab, chatting away.

Mamie: "How about we grab some barbecue? I know a place with killer ribs and tofu!"

"Actually, stir-fried noodles are pretty good too. Ever tried beef chow: fun?

It's

es von 88rite back in my home`

"Content belong no?

"Or how about some hot dogs? Or pancakes? Or maybe some chicken and rice soup..."

The more Mamie talked, the hungrier she got, eventually patting her somewhat deflated stomach.

Scales: "..." Is this late-night snack really necessary?

Mamie: "Made up your mind yet? What are we eating?"

""

"Caley, don't tell me you're not hungry!"

Scales, seriously: "Eat. Definitely."

"Yes!"

Just as

were about to head

et

straight for the street food district, they bumped into Owen Reynolds.

"Mr. Reynolds!"

swno

Owen Reynolds nodded slightly: "Good evening. Just leaving the lab?"

"Yeah, yeah!"

"...Where's Roseanne? Not with you guys?"

"Roseanne had to meet up with Mr. Sullivan and them, so she left early."

Owen Reynolds glanced at the bag in her hand, recognizing something peeking out: "What's that?"

"Oh! Roseanne's scarf, she forgot it when she left, I was about to bring it to her."

"Where to?"

Mamie mentioned the name of the diner.

"Perfect, I'm headed that way. I'll take it to her."

"Really? That'd be great!"