Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 202

Chapter 202

time," he said, his tone as relaxed as the atmosphere of a laid-back coffee shop on a Sunday afternoon.

Owen leaned back against the cluttered workbench, casting a casual glance around the lab that seemed more like a scene from a modern-day alchemist's den. "The lab's all yours whenever you need it. No need to clock in every day. Just swing by when you've got the Roseanne found herself neck-deep in a sea of papers and journals, all handed down by Ms. Payne, alongside keeping tabs on the latest buzz in their field. Now, with an official thesis topic on her plate, she was busier than a New York subway at rush hour.

Owen was well aware of her workload but he had confidence in her. With her knack for time management and proactive approach, he knew she was more than capable of handling the pressure.

He went on to brief her about the nuts and bolts of working in the lab. Each lab had its own quirks and vital points to remember. Roseanne paid keen attention, jotting down the essentials as Owen outlined them.

Besides me, there are four others. I'll introduce you when they're around..." he trailed off as

mug in his hand, bobbing with a couple of blueberries and steaming

curious yet not intrusive, his demeanor

is Stoddard, a colleague and one of the team. He

meet you," Stoddard said, extending a hand, his stern features melting into a warm, approachable

Roseanne," she responded, shaking his hand, momentarily taken aback by

Owen and Roseanne. It wasn't every day Owen brought friends

titles here; just call me Stoddard. We're all friends," he laughed, putting

him as "Mr. Stoddard,"

attire belied her academic achievements and her role as a mother. Her life was a