Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed
Chapter 604

Corley spoke, "This week we're focusing on the main structure construction, currently we're at..."

As soon as he delved into the topic, Roseanne began to listen intently, even her chewing slowed down.

The chicken alfredo pasta was just passed to Owen Reynolds, who scooped a generous portion with his fork to place in her bowl, just as Corley was offering a piece of grilled salmon.

Both men paused their motions simultaneously, then looked up at each other.

Their gazes met, and the air seemed to thicken around them.

Corley chuckled, "Professor, your attention to detail is commendable."

"No more than Mr. Sullivan's keen observation."

Roseanne, caught in the middle with a forkful of pasta and a piece of salmon hovering before her, could only say, "Thank you, I'll have both, please."

Only then did the two men avert their gazes.

Corley suggested, "Salmon's rich in protein, you should have more."

Owen Reynolds added, "The chicken alfredo is not too spicy, you might like it."

"Thanks, Mr. Sullivan, thanks, Professor," she replied, aiming for neutrality.

"Just help yourselves, no need to fuss over me."

While the atmosphere had eased from its previous tension, it was far from relaxed.

Just then, the door swung open, letting in a gust of cold air as Halley Cole entered- "Sorry, sorry, got stuck in traffic."

"Bro? What are you doing here? I thought you said you couldn't make it this time?" Roseanne asked, gesturing for him to sit.

Five days ago, the trio had set this meeting time in their group chat, but Halley mentioned he had to visit a supplier in the next city over and wouldn't be able to join this week, asking Corley to update Roseanne on the project's progress on his behalf. Thus, when the food arrived, they didn't wait and just started without him.

Halley sat down, shedding his coat onto the chair, "The trip went pretty smooth, got all the domestic supplies ordered, so I flew back last night. Stopped by the site today, no major issues, figured it's still best to discuss things face-to-face weekly." Roseanne quickly asked the waiter for a clean set of cutlery and ordered a couple more dishes.

Halley was indeed hungry.

He started eating voraciously, and once somewhat satiated, finally looked up.

His gaze moved from Roseanne to Owen Reynolds.

"Who's this? Haven't seen him before."

Roseanne introduced, "Owen Reynolds Physics Professor from Kingswell University, my academic advisor and co-author. Ran into him today and invited him over for a casual meal." en FindNovel

Then, she turned to Halley, introducing Owen Reynolds.

They shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.

Although Halley only had a bachelor's degree from a lesser-known college and was an average student in high school, he greatly admired academics.

Especially after discreetly googling

"Owen Reynolds" and finding oute

about his scholarly

accomplishments, Halley looked at him with even more enthusiasm.

Owen Reynolds could say anything, and Halley would nod along enthusiastically, almost visibly wearing the label of a "fanboy."

Corley watched silently.

Roseanne understood her cousin's mindset well.

Who didn't seek wisdom in their studies? Even after graduating, encountering such a scholarly figure still left one in awe.

The four of them continued their meal and conversation, enjoying themselves.

"Bro, want to order more?" Roseanne asked.

"No, no," Halley quickly declined, feeling slightly embarrassed by his appetite.

"You've been updated on the project by Mr. Sullivan, right?" he asked Roseanne.

She nodded.

"Given our current pace, barring any surprises, we should be ready by early next month, mid-month at the latest..."

Just as Roseanne was listening intently, a familiar voice interrupted-

"Fancy seeing you here again."

It was Murray Sherwood and Grace.

Indeed, it was quite the coincidence, the same place for the second time.

Corley smirked, arms crossed, "Mr. Sherwood, always a pleasure to see you opting for a modest diner over those fancy restaurants. Quite the romantic choice, don't you think? I hope your girlfriend doesn't mind?"

QUMS