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..."

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

offered a wry smile. "It's a tough industry, and smart home tech being a new

to believe his company was facing some

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

startup's having a tough time with cash flow because we haven't received the final payment from

But I promise, the

I money

owed will be in your account in

thank you for understanding. Don't

he spoke, the strain was evident in his posture, a young man weathered by challenges but stubbornly persevering. Roseanne took in the 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 pay.

"Thanks, Halley."