Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



After sorting out Madge's issue, Roseanne flew back to Lumina City.

Finals were right around the corner, and the academy had already called off classes, diving straight into review week.

Though she was only gone for two days, which didn't impact her coursework, her research had suffered some setbacks. Mamie and Scales' data awaited her review, so right off the plane, Roseanne hit the ground running towards the lab.

She didn't budge from there for the next two days, which worked out since her luggage was ready to go, saving her the hassle. Once she caught up with the backlog of data, she remembered there was a final payment pending for Halley and Corley.

That evening, she took the initiative to call them out.

It was the same restaurant just off the Kingswell University campus -

Halley had heard about Madge's situation from his folks and couldn't help expressing his concern.

Roseanne: "It's all settled. I asked you guys here today mainly to settle the final payment..."

"According to the contract, the project fee is to be paid in three installments. The first two have been deposited. Bro, you should have the last installment left on your end. Check it out, and if there's no issue, I'll transfer the final payment."

"As for Mr. Sullivan, since it's been the two of you communicating, I'm not too clear on the details, so once I'm done on my end, you guys can square up. It's best we clear everything up while we're all here."

Halley wasn't worried about any mistakes, but seeing Roseanne so serious, he double-checked everything, "All good."

"Great."

Next up was settling accounts between Halley and Corley.

They both were quick, not the type to fuss over things.

With official business out of the way, they started eating.

Thinking back on the help she received from Halley and Corley these past days, she raised her glass, substituting tea for wine, "Bro, Mr. Sullivan, the lab wouldn't have been possible without you. I'll skip the formalities; it's all in this toast."

Halley chuckled and waved it off, "You're making it sound too formal. Honestly, should be thanking you As you know, the company was struggling to make ends meet not too long ago. Without you, I don't know how long we could've lasted."

He was well aware that if he wasn't Roseanne's cousin, the chances of her choosing him without any prior engagement were slim.

Roseanne smiled, acknowledging the serendipity, pleased that Halley didn't disappoint.

Corley, silent on the side, merely smirked.

His fingers, defined and strong, played along the rim of his glass, his gaze fixed on Roseanne's profile. Seeing her so joyous and spirited softened something in him.

The meal was nearing its end when Corley went to pay.

Roseanne took a quick trip to the restroom, and upon her return, Halley solemnly slid a bank card across the table to her.

"Bro?"

"Anne, there's a hundred thousand in this card, not much, but it's the deposit from the last two gigs. Please, you must accept it." Roseanne was puzzled, "Why would you give me your earnings?"

"Ever since the lab's opening, the media coverage skyrocketed, and our company rode the hype wave too. Orders haven't stopped coming in..." Halley couldn't hide his glee.

Swn

The company's phone line had been ringing off the hook. Orders that were once hard to come by were now pouring in unsolicited.

He finally understood the power of visibility.

Halley knew all this was thanks to Roseanne.

"...There's a tradition in our line of work to give a referral fee, and you deserve this."noveldrama

Naturally, Roseanne refused, "Talking money makes it weird between siblings. I won't accept it. Please, take it back."

Halley's success wasn't just his company's innovative edge or his efforts alone.

He firmly pressed the card into her hand, "...consider it an investment in your project. Building the lab was costly, and there'll surely be more expenses. Let's call this hundred grand my way of buying in