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."

share some of the holiday gifts with Abbey's family, but this was the first year Norris was also

sour feeling

Norris getting a share this

more than usual this time around," Raven

herself that no matter how much there was, she could handle

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

"Not interested?" Raven frowned.

rich people, you know? What

Raven was familiar with

just familiar, but she

a

son Halley

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

one

about comfort or convenience;

depended on the neighborily

opportunity to connect socially,

much deliberation, she settled on

buildings were out of the question; if they were