When the shopkeeper saw Roseanne, he could tell she was from Fand. When encountering someone from his homnd, his demeanor instantly grew warmer. "You''ve got a good eye, youngdy. I''ve handcrafted these sculptures myself. They''d make perfect gifts to take back home."


    With a smile, Roseanne inquired about the price before saying, "Okay, could you pack them up for me?"


    "You got it!" the shopkeeper said while packaging the sculptures and slipping a postcard into the bag. "If there''s anything you want to say but can''t, write it down here."


    Roseanne pursed her lips, thinking it unnecessary as she had nothing she couldn''t express, but it seemed rude to refuse a gift.


    Back at her hotel room, and after a shower, Roseanne noticed the gift bag on the table. She pulled out the postcard, which featured a stunning seascape of Maldor Beach, and tossed it onto the table. It was of no use to her anyway.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ...


    The following morning, Corley went to the restaurant right on time, only to find no sign of Roseanne. Only Leda was there, having her breakfast alone, a cup and a sd on the table.


    "Good morning, Mr. Sullivan!" Leda greeted him with a smile, having noticed him circling the ce thrice. "Looking for someone to have breakfast with?"


    Raising an eyebrow, Corley pulled a chair and sat across from her. "Morning, Ms. Reynolds."


    "Morning."


    Corley nced at her cup. "That milk looks good."


    Leda corrected him. "This is coffee."


    An awkward silence ensued.


    Leda sipped it and asked, "Is there something you wanted to say, Mr. Sullivan?"


    Dropping the act, Corley got straight to the point. "Where''s Roseanne? I haven''t seen her."


    Leda asked him back, "Looking for her for something special?"


    "Can''t I see her without a reason?" Corley''s patience wore thin.


    Leda couldn''t help butugh. "Are all you finance guys this free toward the year-end?"


    She had sensed something was off since Cortey showed up on the ind. His constant attempts to start conversations and show interest in Anne were too obvious. His intentions were loud and clear!


    Corley replied, "Not free. Very busy."


    "Then why take a vacation?"


    "Because someone I wanted to see is here."


    As the conversation turned serious, Leda put down her fork, her smile fading. What are your true


    intentions with Anne? If I''m not


    mistaken, you and Murray were like


    brothers, right?"


    "Fairdy, fine gentleman. The intentions are too numerous andplicated to exin," Corley said cryptically.


    Leda was silent.


    Corley admitted, "Murray and I fell out."


    Leda nodded, "I can see that. Is it because of Anne?"


    Corley was silent. His silence was more like admission.


    Leda burst intoughter. "Serves him right! That jerk Murray had iting!"


    Corley was puzzled by her reaction. "Seriously?"


    After herughter subsided, Leda


    vel


    finished her coffee, wiped her mouth and said, "Okay, I


    understand. Then, I wish you sess in winning thedy''s heart?"


    "Thanks for the good words," Corley nodded slightly.


    "I''ll leave you to your meal then," Leda said as she stood up.


    Corley urged, "Wait. You haven''t told me where the dy'' is."


    Leda checked her watch. "At this time, she''s probably... boarding a ne?"


    Corley was stunned. Little did he know, Roseanne''s solution was to return home.


    "There''s only so long you can y the thief before getting caught, right? If this ind''s vibe doesn''t match mine, it''s back home for me!"