Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



Owen's gaze flickered darkly, a shadow of intrigue crossing his features.

Corley chuckled, "Heard Mr. Reynolds has been up to his ears in work, spending most of his days cooped up in the lab. Quite the surprise to see you back early today."NôvelDrama.Org copyrighted © content.

"Heard?" Owen retorted coolly, "Heard from whom?"

Today, he had a lecture, one he was guest lecturing for the Life Sciences Department, yet only Mamie and Scales showed up in class.

Upon inquiring, he learned that Roseanne had taken a leave of absence.

The lab was indeed demanding, consuming his afternoons post-lunch in the cafeteria, leaving him seldom returning home at this hour. But today was an exception...

With a smirk, Corley responded, "Well, Anne was the one who mentioned it."

His expression unreadable, Owen remarked, "Did Anne also mention that parking is forbidden down the alley?"

"No worries, I'm leaving right now." Corley quipped, revving up his car and driving away.

A moment of realization struck Corley as he distanced himself.

Wait a minute...

Did Owen just call her "Anne"?

...

As Owen watched the car disappear into the distance, he turned, heading upstairs, his jaw clenched tight, his eyes cool.

Reaching the seventh floor, he didn't immediately enter his apartment. Instead, he knocked on the neighboring door. "Roseanne, you there?"

After a brief pause, a voice responded, "Yes, Professor."

The door opened from the inside.

Owen surveyed her, "Everything alright?"

"Uh?" Roseanne was taken aback.

"I noticed you weren't in class today. The counselor mentioned you had taken leave."

"Yes. Had some matters to attend to."

"Related to the lab needing adjustments?"

"Right." Roseanne nodded lightly.

"How's it coming along?"

She offered a small smile, "Just one last step to go."

"Need any help?"

"No, that's fine."

Corley had a point; unless Murray volunteered, nobody could force his hand.

Owen's gaze flickered subtly, "Ran into Corley down the alley."

"Oh, he gave me a lift back."

"You went together?"

"No," Roseanne didn't overthink it, "Just bumped into him. Ran into

get

Ctrouble, luckily he was there."

Owen's gaze deepened.

swno

"Glad you're okay. Mr. Cole's beef stew was amazing, thank him for me."

Roseanne's smile widened, "Dad would be thrilled to hear that."

"Just stating facts, his cooking is indeed top-notch."

...

Meanwhile, Murray didn't head back to the office after leaving the diner.

Instead, he had Maurice arrange a golf game with Sanford.

Maurice was puzzled. Weren't all evening plans cancelled? How come it ended so soon?

It seemed...

Things with Ms. Cole weren't looking promising.

Looks like it's time to tread carefully again.

Maurice sighed to himself.

Under the clear sky, amidst the gentle

Seze, the golf course

out, a sea of green.

swnovel

Murray stared into the distance, then swung his club, cutting through the air with a whoosh.

Thwack!

The ball soared, tracing a perfect parabola.

Clap, clap, clap...

Sanford handed his club to the caddy and applauded, "Nice shot!"

Murray walked to the resting area, his face betraying no pleasure from the praise.

Sanford's eyes twinkled, "Mr. Sherwood seems a bit off? Is it business troubles?"

Murray took a swig from the water bottle passed by the caddy, remaining silent.

"Or is it a woman?"

Murray didn't react.

Sanford nodded, understanding, "Ah, a woman then."

He raised an eyebrow, "Got any wise words, Mr. Sanford?"

"Well, you see, women can either be the cherry on top or the crutch that supports you. Each woman serves a different purpose. As long as you know where they stand and don't mix them up, life can be pretty smooth sailing."

"Oh? Sounds like Mr. Sanford has quite the experience?"