Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Alva caught the critical point in the conversation, "You're saying, the villa was bought by Roseanne?"

"Yeah, that girl has really made something of herself! Not like our Lauretta, who can only settle for a steady job at the power company..."

"How on earth did Roseanne get so much money as a young lady?"

Abbey covered her mouth with a hand, her laughter carrying a hint of mischief, "Well, that I don't know. But, as you said, she's a young lady. Nowadays, young ladies are quite capable. Designer clothes, luxury handbags - if they can't afford them, it doesn't mean they can't have someone else buy it for them..."

Alva's brow furrowed deeply.

"Oh dear, look at me, blabbering about things I shouldn't. Alright then, you're busy, I'll let you go."

Abbey chose this moment to gracefully exit the conversation, not lingering any further.

However, Alva, still holding the phone that had gone silent, appeared deep in thought.

No sooner had Abbey hung up with Alva, she dialed Raven.

"Hey, it's Abbey..."

"Just the person I wanted to talk to. I've got some clients who dropped off some wines and local goodies for the holidays. I've divided them into two portions, one for your family and one for Norris'. Swing by when you have a moment."

with Abbey's family, but this was the first year Norris was also

sour feeling settled

Norris getting a share

more than usual this time around,"

no matter how much

us, really. But Norris' family... I doubt they'd even care for these

"Not interested?" Raven frowned.

they're the type to live in lakefront villas, rich people, you know? What

was familiar with the

just familiar, but she had

her son reaching marriageable age, she, as a mother, started to look

Halley was

his own startup. Naturally, his future wife had to come from a good family, so the matrimonial

one

about comfort or convenience; the choice also

depended on the neighborily

socially, especially with affluent

she settled on

if