Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 823

Neely followed her in, asking if she needed any help.

The old lady shot him a look. “Even if I did need help, you'd be the last person I'd ask. Tell me, when's the last time you ever lifted a finger in the kitchen?"

He grinned sheepishly. "Fair enough, I guess. Still, I can keep you company, can't 1?"

She ignored him, her mind elsewhere. "You know, I think this Owen fellow is a real catch. Good-looking, polite, comes from a solid family- the Reynolds are practically royalty around here. Most importantly, they've always kept their noses clean. Not a single scandal to their name."

Neely looked puzzled. "Why are you bringing this up? But yeah, Owen's a good kid."

The old lady glanced toward the living room. Her eyesight wasn't what it used to be, but she could still sense the young man's grace and steady confidence. Clearly, he was well brought up.

"You think there's something between him and Anne?"

"Hey, now-don't go getting ideas. He said himself, he and Anne are friends. Where's your head at?"

"I'm not imagining things. Friend or not, shouldn't I look out for our Anne? Someone needs to vet the people around her."

"She's not a little girl anymore, Neely. Young folks can make their own friends. We don't need to meddle in everything."

"I know, I know. I'm not trying to butt in. Just... can't I at least have an honest opinion about Owen?"

"Fine, fine. Let's keep our opinions between us, though. No need to parade them in front of Anne. You'll just make things awkward for her."

The old lady couldn't help but smirk. "Do I look like someone who doesn't know where to draw the line?"

instincts kicked in. "...Not

the subject. "Hey, have you

Neely frowned. "Really?"

since he came in, just dived straight into work.

the office. What's the big deal? Men at his age, especially Corley, are supposed to be hustling. If he runs into a few

so," she sighed

dinner was served, the housekeeper brought out the dishes, and Owen Reynolds was surprised to find two of his favorites

lady beamed. "Anne mentioned you prefer lighter food, so I whipped up a couple dishes just for you.

cooking was, as always, superb. Owen

kept piling more food

Owen shot a helpless

us help ourselves. You

"Alright, alright."

her words, the old lady continued to serve Owen,

a slower pace.

finally managed to

one's your

lady said, reaching over with the serving spoon to add food to Corley's plate,

not a kid.

be kids

exchanged a glance for just a second before each looked away,

gentle manners

sort of young