?


    At that moment, Roseanne''s attention was stolen by something on another shelf,pletely oblivious to the silent duel that had just urred between the two men.


    Owen Reynolds, having just paid for his purchases, turned around to see Roseanne gazing in awe at a fondant cake disyed in the showcase.


    It was a majestic five-tiered creation, each tier adorned with figurines.


    "Like it?" he inquired.


    "It''s beautiful," Roseanne nodded, her eyes scanning the intricate details, "so meticulously crafted."


    Then, pointing at the second tier, she teased, "Professor, doesn''t that figure with sses and a furrowed brow resemble you?"


    Owen Reynolds studied the cake figure for a moment before responding seriously, "Not at all. When do I ever furrow my brow?" "Could it be you furrow your brow without realizing? Like right now, for instance."


    Caught off guard, Owen resembled a child who had just been found out, his expression a mix of embarrassment and guilt. Roseanne couldn''t help butugh. "Professor, you''re too cute."


    No sooner had the trio stepped out of the cake shop than Owen''s phone rang.


    "Hello, Mom?"


    "Owen, you need toe home," came Silver''s voice, tense and serious.


    "What happened?"


    "We''ll talk when you get here."


    "...Alright."


    After hanging up, Owen felt a tug of worry for his family. "Sorry, something''se up at home, I have to go."


    Roseanne was about to nod in understanding when Corley''s phone also buzzed. "... Yes, I understand."


    After pocketing his phone, he turned to Owen. "Looks like Mr. Reynolds and I are both in a bind. But before that, I insist on escorting Roseanne home."


    Roseanne interjected, "No, no, you both take care of your things! It''s really okay!"


    Owen hesitated, wanting to say more.


    Quickly, Roseanne added, "Honestly, it''s fine. It''s just a ten-minute walk. No need for an escort."


    Finally, under Roseanne''s urging, both men departed.


    Roseanne breathed a sigh of relief.


    Finally, they were gone.


    A simple shopping trip felt more exhausting than three days in theb.


    She made a mental note to not get involved in such affairs again.


    Too draining.


    ...


    On his way home, Owen raced against time, worried about what emergency awaited. But upon arrival, he found everything peaceful, no sign of trouble.


    Knowing his mother, Silver, was prone to acting on whims, he still asked cautiously to clear any misunderstandings.


    Silver just stared at him for a long moment, making Owen increasingly uneasy.


    "...Mom, why are you looking at me like that? Is everything really okay at home?"


    Owen''s mind raced through family matters. His elder brother was abroad on business, his second brother was dealing with a tricky legal case but waspetent enough to handle it. And as for took


    Ferdinand, ever since Newne


    over thepany, he had practically retired, spending his days leisurely fishing and enjoying tea...


    So, what could possibly have Silver so worried?


    "The family''s fine. Your brothers don''t give me grief like you do, always buried in your academic work and experiments. Have you given any thought to what we talked aboutst time?"


    Taking a deep breath, Silver decided not to confront the issue directly but opted for a more roundabout approach. "What are we talking about?" Owen asked.


    ??? ?????


    "Do you remember the Langston''s youngest daughter? The one who used to follow you around calling you ''brother'' when you were They moved abroad for over a decade and just returnedst week. The Langstons suggested our families should catch up sometime soon, you..."