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..."

with smart home technology not yet widely embraced. Halley, who

a wry smile. "It's a tough industry, and smart home tech being a new concept doesn't make

to believe his company was

"...Mr Young, we've worked together more than once, right? You know what kind of person I am. Even if it means I

haven't received the final payment from last project. I'm asking

I

I money

owed will be in your account in

you for understanding. Don't

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

"Thanks, Halley."