Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Owen Reynolds showing up here today was completely unexpected.

Owen's grandpa and Lamont were like brothers in arms back in their youth, each setting off to conquer the world side by side. But as time went by, they chose different paths in life.

One ventured into the business world, while the other pursued a career in politics.

And they both excelled in their respective fields.

Over the years, the Reynolds and the Dixon families maintained their connections, but the Dixons kept a low profile, so gatherings were rare.

When an invitation from the Dixon family arrived, Ferdinand took it very seriously. He had planned to attend in person, but a sudden allergic asthma attack landed him in the hospital two days ago.

Left with no choice, he asked his eldest son, Neville Reynolds, to attend in his stead.

But Neville, being a true businessman, had not been in close contact with the Dixon family for years. Plus,

the Dixons, known for their discretion, might not be keen on mingling with businessmen, making Neville's presence less than ideal.

So, the task fell to Gorman Reynolds.

He was a lawyer, not a businessman, which seemed to fit the bill.

But with Laird being a leader in the legal, government, and law enforcement community, a lawyer's status could be even more sensitive than that of a businessman.

In the end, Owen Reynolds was the man for the job.

Especially since he and Laird were acquainted, no one from the Reynolds family was more suitable than Owen.

When Neville brought up the request, he worried Owen would refuse.

After all, his brother was more the academic type, rarely attending social functions outside of scientific conferences. His main passion lay in the lab, conducting research and writing papers.

The idea of him agreeing to socialize was almost unthinkable...

But to everyone's surprise, Owen agreed smoothly.

"You... agreed?"

Owen nodded, "Yeah. Bro, you can close your mouth now. You're gaping."

"...Oh!" Neville immediately shut his mouth, though his eyes still looked haunted.

Turning to his mother, Silver, he said, "...Mom, I think something's off with Owen."

Silver's face was a picture of confusion.

Neville continued, "Maybe we should have someone take a look at him?"

"Look at him for what?"

"I'm worried he's been hexed. Seriously."

Silver: "..."

Without offering any explanation to his inquisitive mother, Owen simply stated, "I just want to see..." See if she was also on the guest list.

On Roseanne's end, addressing

Owen Reynolds as "Professor" instead of "Uncle" was a convenient

Wound, but when it came to Corley...

She just couldn't bring herself to call him "Uncle."

It wasn't just her; Scales and Mamie felt equally awkward.

During the construction of the lab, they had often encountered Corley, becoming quite familiar with him.

They always referred to him as "Mr. Sullivan" following Roseanne's lead, but suddenly switching to "Uncle" felt wrong.

Laird, unaware of their personal connections, expected respect for his friends and the older generation present.

"What's the matter? Scales, lead the way in greeting him."

Scales: "..."

Finally, Corley, with a smile, lifted his glass to ease the tension, "Let's not. I'm not much older than them; how did become an uncle?"

He glanced at Roseanne with a teasing look, "Better to just call me bro." Scales breathed a sigh of relief and promptly said, "Cheers to you, Corley." "Thanks. But... 'Corley' sounds better to me. I like it when people call me that." Mamie immediately called out, "Corley."

Then it was Roseanne's turn...

She couldn't help but feel amused and frustrated at the same time. This man never missed a chance to

inet over

come out on top in a verbal exchange.

Fine, he wins this round.

Just as she was about to say "Corley," Owen Reynolds suddenly spoke up-