Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed novel Chapter 743

Corley found himself at a dimly lit bar, the kind where the air was thick with the scent of whiskey and the buzz of quiet conversations. He plunked down at the counter and cracked open a few bottles of bourbon, downing one glass after another like they were water.

During his little binge, a couple of women tried their luck at striking up a conversation, but he sent them all packing without a second thought.

By the time Corley's face was as red as a ripe apple, and his vision was playing tricks on him, he stumbled back to his hotel.

His head was spinning like one of those old merry-go-rounds, and every time he blinked, he saw Roseanne's face. He couldn't wrap his head around why he was always a step behind.

First, he'd lost to Murray, and now to this damned "cousin" of hers. Life was never on his side, he mused bitterly.

After a wobbly taxi ride, Corley staggered through the hotel doors. As he exited the elevator, a whiff of perfume hit him, followed by a soft body pressing against his side. Her voice was like syrup, sticky and too sweet, "Hey handsome, all alone? Looks like you've had a bit too much. How about I keep you company?"

The alcohol dulled his reactions, but he managed to push her away, nearly sending her sprawling. "Get lost! Don't touch me!" he snapped, like she was something foul.

The woman was taken aback, her pride wounded. She spat, "Who do you think you are, pushing me away? Just a drunkard who's probably been dumped. Big deal!"

Little did she know, her words hit Corley right where it hurt. He chuckled coldly, lifting his chin as his eyes turned icy, enough to send a shiver down her spine. She hesitated, then scurried off without another word.

Corley wanted so badly to call Roseanne, but when he fumbled out his phone, it was past one in the morning. His thumb hovered over the screen, but he couldn't bring himself to dial.

Just then, two hotel staffers walked by. Seeing his state, they offered to help. Corley handed over his room key, silently asking them to get him to his room.

With one of them supporting him and the other opening the door, they managed to get him onto the bed before leaving him to his drunken slumber.

"These young folks might know how to make money, but do they know how to pick out the best carrots or the juiciest steaks? That's where we come in!" her friend replied.

"Going to the market is a tradition! Let them shop at those fancy supermarkets if they want. I prefer bargaining at the stalls and getting the best for my buck!"

"Same here! My daughter and son-in-law love those imported grocery stores, but they're expensive and not as fresh as the farmer's market!"

Kathleen had just stepped out of her car, her eyes scanning the pleasant surroundings of the villa community while her ears caught snippets of the chatter from the market-goers. She couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, a hint of disdain creeping in.

Pinehollow... They called it a "city," but how different was it really from a small town?

And what kind of 'golden goose' could come from such a place? Even if a swan ended up here, it'd probably turn into just another duck.