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."

family, but this was the

sour feeling settled in

is Norris getting a share

than usual this time around,"

thought to herself that no matter how much there was,

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

"Not interested?" Raven frowned.

in lakefront villas, rich people, you know? What

villas?" Raven was familiar

but she had personally

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

son Halley was

to come from a good family, so the matrimonial home couldn't be anything less than perfect.

one

wasn't just about comfort or

depended on the neighborily

opportunity to connect socially,

much deliberation, she settled on

high-rise buildings were out of the question; if they were buying,