Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Corley, what's your game here?" Murray walked over to the table.

"What are you talking about?"

"Why did you pull the plug on the development project?"

Corley took a sip of his tea, nonchalantly. "If I don't want to collaborate, I stop. What's the issue?"

"Just quit, just like that?! Do you realize how much cash we're bleeding every single day?"

Corley replied, "Roughly."

"And you're still doing this?!"

After finishing his cup, Corley started making a second brew, his movements smooth and practiced.

Murray grabbed the teapot from him, "You've been dodging me for three days, and now you're silent. Planning to keep dragging this out?"

It was then Corley looked up. "Who says I've been dodging?"

"Your secretary said you were on a business trip. Isn't that just an excuse to avoid me?"

"Hah, avoid you? You're giving yourself too much credit. I was in Pinehollow for a research trip I planned half a month ago. Do I really need to avoid you?"

"...Pinehollow?" Murray sensed something.

Corley gave a half-smile.

to Pinehollow? Man, Pinehollow is a great spot, the food and drinks are exactly to my taste... Oh, isn't Roseanne's family from Pinehollow... Why did you bump into me-uh!" York was frantically signaling him, but to no avail, he had to bump

mistake, Cliff shut

Corley's calm demeanor, emphasized each word: "You

"I

changed the subject, "I did indeed run into

"You call her what?"

"Anne."

that

Corley provoked. "Anne~ Anne-"

collar: "Corley, did I not

hand and calmly smoothed his collar: "Warn

a deep breath

is why you're breaking off the partnership? Corley, I thought, regardless of what happens between us because of Roseanne, business is business, personal is personal. You wouldn't let personal feelings affect work. But now, it seems

this petty and immature? Ha, she can't stand guys

his teacup forcefully, the sound echoing

it, your provocations

here to talk about Roseanne, or the project? Or... do