Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

Just two minutes after hanging up the phone, she sent me a location.

Conveniently, it was close by.

I mentioned to Ronan, "Irving invited me out for dinner tonight."

Ronan nodded, "Looks like he's trying to pry your bottom line. You might want to do some digging."

I immediately grilled Ronan with a few key questions to prevent any slip-ups.

After thinking it over, Ronan shared a number with me, and I couldn't hide my surprise. "That high?"

"Don't you want to make a killing on this house?" he said, his gaze loaded with meaning.

I was elated. "Absolutely! I'll fleece him, no mercy."

We shared a knowing smile, and inwardly I chuckled. This was going to be a wicked game.

Before I left, I asked Catherine to stay back to chat more in the evening. Then, I went out with Hannah, making sure to bring a gift the first time I stepped into Irving's home.

Timing it perfectly, I headed straight for Irving's place.

Approaching the gated community of the Bradlee family, I could see a figure from afar.

Hannah saw it too and said with a bit of shock, "He came out quick."

I just raised an eyebrow and smirked.

Hannah looked at me, puzzled, "Allie, don't tell me you knew he'd come out?"

I casually replied, "I didn't pass along his number to Dalton, so of course he had to step out. I wanted him to cool his heels for a couple of days, just to sell the house peacefully. How can he feel the world's warmth and woes from inside? He needs to taste this flavor. I've said it before, I want him to be miserable. I can't go back on my word now, can I?"

Hannah looked at me with admiration, "No wonder he came out so fast."

"It's easy to get him back in jail, but that would be letting him off too light."

"Exactly! Allie. You're killing it, and I'm in awe."

"Did you check on the Dawson family's house like I asked?" I said, observing the pacing figure in the distance.

"Of course, it's in Hazel and Farley's names. So it hasn't been affected. I heard Farley's living it up now. He's got a whole penthouse to himself and occasionally brings home some mature company. Hazel's passing set him up nicely." Hannah said with disdain.

I scoffed, "Hazel never imagined she'd die before Farley, leaving all she worked for to some young thing. All her efforts were given away to others."

Hannah chuckled mischievously, "Yeah, and Farley is truly living it up now, playing the groom every night."

I also laughed, "Farley has suffered Hazel's anger all his life, and Hazel is dead, he is crazy happy."

Hannah gestured towards Jaylan at the gate, "He got nowhere to go. He'll probably have to move back in with Farley."

"Just watch. Those two will turn on each other soon enough." I said with amusement.

"If they don't, I'll find a way to make it happen," Hannah said through clenched teeth.

"Have you found the right person for our plan?" I quickly asked.

"Got someone. Don't be fooled by her gender, she's into everything, drinking, gambling, you name it, and she's a looker too. Some of these mature ladies were always hunting for old men to fleece." Hannah's description had me struggling not to laugh.

"Then be strategic. Don't make it obvious, just give her a little nudge in the right direction. Let's ensure Jaylan can't settle down too comfortably." I advised.

Hannah hesitated, so I added a hint, "Get her to slip Farley a love potion, shake up Jaylan's peace. Whatever happens, it'll be a show."

Hannah caught on and doubled over laughing.

As our car pulled up, we saw Jaylan loitering at the gate, seemingly waiting for Irving.

Irving really had some nerve, and he wouldn't even let his old buddy Jaylan through the door. Out of sight, out of mind.

Jaylan, oblivious to our approach, was pacing frantically by the gate.

He clearly wanted in, desperate to see Irving, but seemed out of options.

Hannah, ever the mischief-maker, quietly drove up behind him, then honked the horn loudly. Jaylan jumped in shock, darting to the side and looking back in horror.