Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Back when the whole Roseanne debacle was the talk of the town, Norris and Madge even made a trip down to Lumina City. Upon their return, they clammed up, refusing to spill the beans. But if the rumors swirling around were anything to go by, the truth wasn't far off.

Apparently, Roseanne had given up on her studies for love, smitten with a guy who, by all accounts, seemed to be rolling in dough. No wonder she was ready to ditch her textbooks, all to keep him hooked. Norris and Madge couldn't help but frown at the thought.

Yet, Roseanne seemed unfazed, "No, we've broken up."

"I've heard those high-society types have sky-high standards. You were probably just a fling to him. Look at how foolish you've been, taking it seriously. Marrying into wealth isn't as easy as pie," Abbey said, shaking her head in disbelief.

"And you know, for a girl, reputation is everything. After all these years, he didn't even offer some sort of... compensation?"

In soap operas, those wealthy old men are always so generous, handing out millions like candy during a breakup.

By that measure, Roseanne didn't seem to be at a loss...

But Abbey couldn't hide her envy.

"Just a few years of playing house and she hits the jackpot, going from rags to riches. But why her? She's no Helen of Troy, so why does everything come so easy for her?"

cashing in on this, they'd be living

sharp, locking eyes with Abbey, "What kind of compensation should I have

up abruptly, "Abbey, we're family, but

"How am I not being respectful? Can't I show some concern

this how you

Norris, what's that supposed to

inappropriate, out of line, lacking evidence, and downright slanderous." Abbey had expected Madge to play peacekeeper,

this time, Madge

Cole, who was sitting next to

unbothered. Lauretta Cole chose

Crash!

slammed her cutlery down, glaring at Norris, "Enough with this drama! It's the holiday season Abbey might have been harsh, but she wasn't entirely wrong. She meant well, so was it necessary for

protested, "Mom! Did you hear what she said? How could she talk

points she

let alone with the wealthy from Lumina City. They should be even more generous.