Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

He took me to the dining hall, which was laid out with an array of dishes, reminiscent of a hotel brunch buffet.

I hurried over to pick out my favorites, grabbing a few to take back to our table. As I sat down, I turned to Ronan, "Ronan, I actually had something to tell you yesterday, but I completely forgot about it with all the fuss over the kid."

He settled opposite me with his plate, urging with a gentle tone, "Go ahead."

I started to talk between bites, recounting to Ronan the encounter with Jesper and Mason, the grandson of the Wood Manor family in Silverdale City.

Ronan's brow furrowed as soon as I mentioned Mason, "Are you sure it was him?"

"Positive. But Hannah did some digging, and the bar's license lists an Adkins as the owner, with an address in a small northern town." I recounted everything without leaving out a detail.

"That confirms they've got insiders in the authorities," he said, his expression hardening with a hint of menace.

I stared, a little stunned. I had never seen this side of him before, and it must be Bennett's persona coming through.

He seemed to notice my gaze and softened, offering me a reassuring smile.

But then, he quickly called Logan, asking him to join us in the dining hall. Logan was apparently still around.

Logan showed up in no time, teasing me, "Allie, how's it feel to be back home? You were sleeping so soundly, starting to sleep in?"

I could feel my cheeks burning up. I quickly turned to Ronan and blurted out, "Ronan, this place is really great. If you're willing to let go of it, I might just sweep it off your hands." Ronan gave me a look that was hard to read, dodging my point, "As long as you're happy."

"It's really peaceful here, and close to downtown too. I've been looking for a place like this for ages. Hannah and I searched everywhere but couldn't find a spot quite like this." Deep down, I knew this wasn't a property just anyone could get.

I was just trying to ease the awkwardness with my comment.

But truth be told, I really did want this place, even if it meant shamelessly squatting here until I got it.

Logan chuckled, "Well, it's not something money can solve. This place will never hit the market. The security is top-notch, so Ronan would be interested. With his connections, you're set for life."

I looked squarely at Ronan, adopting the cheeky tone I used back in our school days, "Ronan, after all these years, I'm finally basking in your glory. You gotta stick to your word because I'm starting to plan my move."

I was laying it on thick, but I believed that for someone like Ronan, finding another estate wouldn't be a problem at all.

At my words, Ronan raised an eyebrow in a rogue's smile, teasing me back, "Do you even have anything left to move? After that mess, is there anything decent left?"

I blushed furiously, shooting him a glare, "Why do you always bring up the most embarrassing stuff? Even if he hadn't trashed the place, I wouldn't want it. By moving, I mean I want to get some essentials that actually want."

"You're the boss here, you decide." Ronan's voice was breezy, as if the place was mine all along.

I quickly clarified, "Ronan, I really do love it here. But let me be clear, I want to buy it myself for the sense of achievement."

It was important to get this out in the open, especially in front of Logan. I didn't want him to think I was taking advantage of Ronan.

Truth be told, I knew what Ronan was thinking, but I also knew my place. As a mother of three, I couldn't harbor any illusions. I wasn't his league anymore.

His comment from yesterday about having many kids still stung a little.

The achievements of my years were quite something, a decade with three kids, plus another one I couldn't get rid of.

What right did I have to sidle up to someone like Ronan, a diamond bachelor?

Indeed, I had confidence, but it needed to be grounded in reality.

Seeing that Ronan was silent, I prodded, "Did you hear me?"

Ronan's lips twitched into a slight smile, and without hesitation, he agreed, "Alright, you can pay for it."

Finally feeling reassured, I laughed and looked around contentedly, "Perfect."

Logan glanced at Ronan and raised an eyebrow.

We then turned to the business about Mason's situation.

Ronan instructed Logan to dig into Adkins' real identity, emphasizing, "Don't overlook any detail. Only then can we pinpoint the key players."

Listening to Ronan's train of thought, I was struck by the gravity of the situation. A fugitive living so freely was terrifying.