Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Stoddard leaned in, a mix of concern and disbelief in his voice, "Dude, did you even read the invite properly? It says 'Life Science Department Mixer', not some academic symposium!"

"I'm aware."

"And you're still going?"

"Problem?"

"Man, you're possessed or something..."

Hold on!

Stoddard's eyes widened as if he just put two and two together, staring at the invitation once more, "Life Science Department? Isn't that where Roseanne is?"

Owen Reynolds, who was fiddling with some gadgets, froze mid-action.

Stoddard moved closer, squinting at Owen, "Buddy, you've got bigger issues than being possessed. You're head over heels!"

"You've got a thing for Roseanne, haven't you?"

"Does she know?"

"Bro, you're way older than her. Think she's cool with that?"

Faced with Stoddard's rapid-fire questions, Owen was rendered speechless.

...

"...Professor? Professor!" Roseanne called out a few times.

Owen snapped back to reality, "...What did you say?"

"I asked if you're heading home or to the lab after this." "Home."

Roseanne nodded, "Then maybe we could-" walk together. But before she could finish, a tall figure stopped beside her. Roseanne instinctively looked up, locking eyes with the newcomer. Corley smirked, "Fancy seeing you here. Mind if I take a seat?"

Then, turning to Mamie, "Could you scooch over a bit, pretty please?"

Mamie, somewhat shyly, nodded, "Su-sure."

After moving aside, Corley thanked her and casually sat next to Roseanne.

Roseanne was surprised, "You're here too?"

Corley glanced at Owen, a slight smile on his lips, "Is it that strange? Mr. Reynolds is here, isn't he?"

"He was opening the talk. And you?"

Corley shrugged, "I'm here to play Santa Claus."

a CEO alumnus, wast

Many sc events sought external

funding, and Corley, an MBA student and the cash cow. FindNovel

Thus, he too received an invite.

Roseanne asked, "Do you personally attend every event sponsored by Mr. Sullivan?"

That would make the CEO life seem rather exhausting.

"Of course not," he replied candidly, almost startlingly so, "I came because you were here." Roseanne: "..."

Owen's gaze darkened.

Corley's smile held a hint of mockery.

Sensing the awkward tension, Mamie tactfully intervened, "Um... I'm gonna grab some food. Roseanne, wanna join?" "Sure!" Roseanne quickly got up.

The two left.

Corley passed a bottle of water to Owen, "Professor, care for a drink?"

Owen accepted it, offering a polite thanks.

"Mr. Reynolds, such a busy man also has time for mixers?"

Owen met his gaze, replying coolly, "Mr. Sullivan is here too, isn't he?"

"I came for Roseanne. You?"

"Mutual feelings."

Corley's eyes narrowed, a hint of menace flickering, "What are you implying, Professor? I suddenly can't follow."

"You understand exactly what I mean."

Corley, expressionless: "Really? Professor has caught feelings too?"

"I'm no saint; I can't live without desires."

"Protseems quite self-aware.

Just a

reminder, though,

better to keep those desires realistic,

don't you think?"

Owen smirked, "Same to you, Mr. Sullivan."

Corley: "..."

At that moment, music filled the air, and the spotlight swept over the crowd once again.

The host announced, "Thanks to Finn for that entertaining

introduction. Who'll be the nexel

one? Lights, get ready-"