Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Madge forced a smile, the awkwardness clear on her face.

If she could really make a living off royalties, she wouldn't be waiting for her daughter to buy them a mansion.

Roseanne caught the impatience in Madge's eyes and took the initiative, "Abbey, Irving, Mom and I have some errands, so we'll be heading off now..."

"No way, it's the holidays, what could you possibly be so busy with? And let me tell you, Roseanne, you're pushing thirty, not in school, not getting a job, and don't even get a boyfriend. I mean, look around, which girl your age still relies on her parents?"

The cherry incident from before was still fresh in her memory.

Finally seizing the opportunity, Abbey didn't hold back, "And don't get me started on your cousin Halley, now there's a man who's opened his own tech startup in Silicon Valley, sky's the limit for him. And our dear Lauretta, maybe not as ambitious, but she worked her tail off and landed a job at the energy department, pretty much set for life. I really worry for Norris, all that hard work raising a child and for what? Not to shine the family name, but can't even fend for herself, still leeching off her parents, I mean, come on..."

Abbey shook her head, sighing deeply.

Beside her, Irving was desperately trying to catch her eye, signaling her to stop, but she was oblivious.

Madge's smile turned cold, her voice flat, "Yeah, Lauretta is quite the achiever, getting into the energy department with just an associate's degree."

Abbey, missing the sarcasm, beamed even more proudly, "Exactly! She's been nothing but a source of pride, always obedient and sensible! Her grandfather even said, in a couple of years, he'll find her a nice governmental match, and she'll be a high-ranking officer's wife..."

As she went on, her voice grew even louder, "All I want in this life is for our family to be healthy and safe, that's it!"Belongs © to NôvelDrama.Org.

"Why even bring this up?" Irving couldn't stand it any longer, "Dragging everything into this... Sorry about this, she just can't seem to hold back."

Abbey, feeling slighted, retorted, "Giving you face, am I? So, I'm not even allowed to speak the truth now? What's there to apologize for?" Irving was visibly flustered, silenced by her outburst.

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After all, his comfortable life was courtesy of his in-laws, with top jobs at the energy department, securing him an easy position through their connections.

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An outsourced job at a third-party energy company, where clocking in and out was his only concern, and he still brought home a hefty paycheck thanks to Abbey's family. With Abbey being the beloved daughter of his in-laws, how could he dare to upset her?

Seeing Irving silent, Abbey's anger intensified, "Well? You had plenty to say earlier, what's got your tongue now?"

Irving's face was a blend of embarrassment and frustration.

Being chastised by his wife in front of Madge and Roseanne was a blow to his pride, utterly humiliating.

Yet, Abbey seemed either oblivious or indifferent to his turmoil, continuing her tirade:

"Back in my day, I was the belle of the energy department, and to think I ended up with..."

Just then, Odette rushed out of the reception area-

"Roseanne! Thank God you haven't left! You nearly gave me a heart attack."

Roseanne asked, "Is there something else?"

"It's my fault, gave you the wrong contract. The original copy of the 'House Purchase Agreement' should be with the owner, we only keep a photocopy here. I got mixed up in all the rush, please check if this original copy is correct..."