Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



The dishes had just been served, still steaming hot.

And to Roseanne's delight, they were all her favorites.

She pulled out a chair and sat down: "Been waiting long?"

Halley shook his head, "Just got here myself. Mr. Sullivan was the early bird."

Of course, he had already ordered.

Yes, today marked the first of their "weekly catch-ups."

Corley helped her hang her bag on the coat rack before returning to his seat, "Shall we... eat and talk? Don't want the food to get cold."

"Sounds good."

They started to dig in.

For Roseanne and Halley, this wasn't their first rodeo here, so they were quite at ease, but surprisingly, Corley seemed just as comfortable. But then again, if he could handle a quick bite at those roadside diners near construction sites, what dining environment couldn't he adapt to? Halley noted this with a glimmer of respect in his eyes.

After quickly polishing off two ribs, Halley put down his fork, cleared his throat, "Let me start by updating on this week's progress... The foundation's done, and we've begun on the structure. We aim to finish the basic construction by next week."

"That fast?" Despite expecting progress, Roseanne couldn't hide her surprise.

Her gaze shifted to Corley, "Thanks to Mr. Sullivan's two teams."

Only when the work began did he realize the significant difference between crews.

Honestly, they were leagues ahead of the crew he'd brought in. Hence, the swift progress.

Corley, slicing into a steak, replied nonchalantly, "No worries."

"About the payment..."

Corley interjected, "Right, I wanted to mention, monthly payments are a hassle. Let me cover their wages for now, and you can settle with me in full when the project's done. Don't worry, our accountant will keep everything crystal clear."

Halley waved off, "Mr. Sullivan, that's too kind. You're in big business, wouldn't dream of pinching pennies from us."

Yet, Corley insisted, "Business is

business, rules are rules. It's b of us." Content bettet

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After a brief pause, Halley nodded, "... You're right. I hadn't fully thought it through."

"Cheers, then," Corley lifted his glass.

Both men had driven, so their glasses were filled with soda.

Halley joined in, "Cheers."

Corley turned to Roseanne, "Join the fun, why don't you?"

"Sure." Roseanne set down her fork and lifted her glass, "To the lab's timely completion."

Their glasses clinked, and Roseanne took a sip.

The fizz rushed up her nose - the very reason she wasn't fond of soda.

Thankfully, it was just a small sip, and the sensation quickly passed.

Roseanne resumed her meal.

Corley called over a server, "Got any coconut water?"

"Yes, of course."

He gestured towards Roseanne, "Get her a bottle."

The server inquired, "Would you like it chilled or room temperature?"

Roseanne paused, then said, "...Room temperature is fine, thank you."

Soon, the coconut water arrived with a straw.

Corley popped the tab, inserted the straw, and slid the bottle back towards Roseanne.

He did it all with such ease, like he'd done it a thousand times before.

Just then, as the restaurant owner

like

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walked in.

Seated in the main dining area, Roseanne, facing the entrance, locked eyes with Murray.

He seemed taken aback at first, then

calmlyThis content © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.

the

odded at her before pulling

next to him closer.

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swnover