Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

The dishes were served quickly. Throughout the meal, Halley's phone was constantly buzzing with business calls. Finally, during a brief lull, he looked apologetically at Roseanne. "I was so caught up with Grandma's birthday celebration yesterday, I didn't get a chance to catch up with you." "It's okay."

As the eldest grandson and the only male in the current generation of the Cole family, Halley was naturally overwhelmed with social obligations. "I heard you're studying for your Master's at Kingswell University? I'm actually based in Lumina City too. If you need anything, just let me know. You still have my number, right?"

"Of course," Roseanne nodded eagerly, "Thanks, Halley."

"You've become polite," he observed.

"I've become more mannered," she retorted.

Halley chuckled. "What are you doing in Lumina City?" she inquired.

Halley took a bite of his food. "I've partnered with a friend to start a smart home company. We're all about whole-house intelligence. Think... using cutting-edge tech to refurbish homes. You know, robotic commands, climate control throughout the house, automation..."

home technology not yet widely embraced. Halley, who had studied computer Al in college, was venturing into a field directly related to his

into the specifics, only asking how his business was faring. Halley offered a wry smile. "It's a tough industry, and smart home tech being a new concept doesn't make it any easier. Can't say it's going great, but

led Roseanne to believe his company was facing some difficulties,

she passed by a small balcony, she overheard Halley on a call: "...Mr Young, we've worked together more than

having a tough time with cash flow because we haven't received the final payment from last project. I'm asking for

I promise, the

I money

owed will be in your account

for understanding. Don't worry, it'll

scene silently, realizing Halley's situation was perhaps more dire than she had imagined. When Halley returned to the table, Roseanne didn't mention what she had overheard. After finishing their meal, Halley stood up to

"Thanks, Halley."