Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 841
"What's wrong with you?"
"My mind's been restless-can't think straight, can't sit still."
Owen Reynolds: "...Just wait, Mom's going to deal with you."
"That's why I stepped out for some air. But you still haven't told me who you were talking to on the phone just now-your face
nearly split from grinning."
Owen Reynolds: "How's that any of your business?"
"Norris, that's not fair. I'm your big brother, can't you give me a little respect?"
"Nope." Owen shook his head without hesitation.
"Wow, keeping secrets now?" Neville's eyes narrowed playfully. "Don't tell me it's a girl?"
"What are you talking about?"
"So it is a girl!"
"Don't start rumors!"
"Mom! Norris has a girlfr-"
Owen talked over him: "Mom! He's been smoking ag-"
Both brothers clammed up at once.
"Well, what's the stare-down for?"
Gorman Reynolds strolled over, grinning, glancing from one brother to the other.
"What was all that shouting just now? You both started, then stopped halfway?"

Gorman: "...?"
"Hey don't walk away! We're not done here! Why do you two bolt the second I show up? What huge secret are you keeping from
me?!"
All three brothers filed into the house, one after the other.
Right inside, they nearly walked straight into Silver.
She looked them over, eyes sharp. "Where've you three been?"
All three answered at once: "Just getting some fresh air."
Silver eyed them skeptically. "The house is that stifling, huh?"
"Neville, you're coming with me the day after tomorrow to visit an old friend." "What for?"
Silver arched a brow. "It's New Year's. We're paying a visit, of course."
Gorman saw right through her. "Plus, you'll just so happen to meet her daughter. Spark a conversation, see if you click."
Neville grimaced. “Just remembered I have
Mom Maybe take the
siness trip that day.
seems interey,
"No way," Gorman put his hands up, blocking them both. "I have to be at church first thing for New Year's prayers. The whole
family's luck rides on me. Who has time for blind dates? For all we know, it's a trick-their family's just trying to beat us to the
blessing, so they're sending their daughter as a distraction."
Silver raised a hand, ready to smack him. “You little brat, what nonsense are you spouting?!"
"I think Owen's a great choice. Look at him-polite, well-mannered. Everyone loves that type."
Neville nodded. "He definitely has a shot."

Silver's eager gaze landed on her youngest.
Owen didn't say a word-just turned and headed up the stairs.
The silence was deafening.
The rejection, absolute.
Silver stomped her foot, exasperated. "You see that?! He's going to be the death
of me! And you two aren't much better-"
Neville and Gorman made a quick getaway.
After all, this happened every year. They were veterans at dodging the parental matchmaking gauntlet.
...
All across the city, fireworks lit up the sky-some families basked in warmth and laughter, while others sat alone in the shadows.
At Sherwood Mansion-
The party had long since dispersed. Relatives and friends were already on their way home.
Beverley sat on the sofa, watching the fireworks burst through the window, her eyes devoid of excitement-just emptiness and
longing.
Naylor Sherwood had disappeared into his study right after the family dinner, working late and still not reemerged.
After her daughter was expelled from Kingswell University, she'd barely left her room, locking herself away and refusing to join
any family gatherings.
She dreaded the inevitable questions about why she'd dropped out.
Tonight, Beverley had gone upstairs to call her twice.
The first time, her daughter replied, "I'm not hungry. You all go ahead."
The second time, she didn't even answer.

Staring at the closed bedroom door, Beverley turned away, disappointment heavy
in her steps.
As for their son, Murray...
He hadn't even come home for New Year's Eve.
Best not to mention him at all.