Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed novel Chapter 819

But the very next second, he changed the subject with a casual remark: “Good timing, I haven’t had lunch yet.”

Owen Reynolds didn’t bother with pleasantries and accepted immediately.

Corley’s gaze darkened. “Sorry, I just remembered—we don’t have enough plates and silverware.”

“There are some disposable ones in the cupboard,” Roseanne said, standing up. “I’ll go get them.”

With that, she left the room.

Owen Reynolds made himself at home, pulling out a chair across from Corley and sitting down. He glanced at the table and grinned. “Looks amazing—a real feast for the senses.”

Corley let out a short laugh. “Isn’t your lab busy these days, Mr. Reynolds? I’m surprised you have time to mooch a meal from someone else.”

“Things slow down before the holidays, so I’m not in a rush. As for mooching… well, trust me, it wasn’t my idea. Mr. Sullivan here was so gracious and invited me himself. Would’ve been rude to refuse, don’t you think?”

Corley said nothing.

“But what about you, Mr. Sullivan? Shouldn’t you be busy planning the company’s year-end party right about now? I’m shocked you have any free time at all.”

“I was bringing Anne some food. Even if I didn’t have time, I’d make time for that.”

Owen Reynolds chuckled softly, as if the mention of “Anne” didn’t bother him in the slightest.

Corley frowned, then decided to drop all pretense.

“Owen Reynolds, do you have feelings for Roseanne?”

Though it sounded like a question, Corley’s tone left little room for doubt—he’d already seen through everything.

Owen Reynolds didn’t answer directly. Instead, he shot back, “And what role are you playing when you ask me that? Just a regular guy, or Roseanne’s cousin?”

Corley looked surprised. “So, she actually told you what we are to each other?”

Owen Reynolds replied, “That only convinces me more that when you picked her up from our place, you were trying to throw me off on purpose.”

Corley didn’t confirm or deny it.

Corley fell silent.

“But if you’re her cousin, I respect that you’re family, and I’ll give you the truth.”

Corley’s eyes narrowed, his tone certain: “You do like her.”

“Yes,” Owen Reynolds nodded, meeting his gaze without flinching. “I do.”

A surge of anger flared in Corley’s chest, but he fought hard to keep it in check, forcing a cold laugh. “So, you finally admit it!”

Owen Reynolds looked puzzled. “Is it really so unspeakable or shameful to admit you care about someone?”

Corley was momentarily at a loss for words.

For just a second, he found himself envying Owen Reynolds—

Envying him for being able to say “I care about her” out loud, to announce his feelings to the world without hesitation.