Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

I clinked my glass against him, catching the twinkle in his eye that told me he was itching to spill the beans.

Sure enough, after taking a swig of his beer, he locked eyes with me and beamed, "Now that the coast is clear, Aaliyah, can you give me the lowdown? I'm looking to make a move."

I swirled the drink in my hand, giving him a silent, probing look before breaking into a chuckle, "Mr. Bradlee, you really put me on the spot here."

Irving flashed me a sly grin, "Come on, Allie, spill the beans. It'll give me some peace of mind."

"It's not really my call, and honestly, I'm as in the dark about Mr. Richardson's intentions as you are," I replied, then teased him with a playfully coy look, "But maybe..."

I trailed off, my mind cautioning me as I watched the amber liquid dance in my glass, "The ball's in your court now."

Quick to change the subject, he remarked, "Heard you sold your house? Shame to let go of such a prime spot."

I was taken aback, cursing inwardly at his well-informed nosiness. The ink on the deal was barely dry, and he already knew. He was definitely keeping tabs on me.

My reaction must have given Irving the impression that he'd struck a chord.

I laughed at myself, "Gotta mark the occasion somehow. A fresh start should look like one, right?"

"Absolutely! You'll need a swanky new pad."

I played along, feigning insight, "You're sharp as ever, Irving. But buying a house is a piece of cake for me."

He bragged with a knowing smirk, "Well, Ms. Wilburn, given that you own the entire Oldtown Avenue, I'd hardly say you're short on properties. But I've got my eye on a real gem."

I could tell he'd been plotting this for a while.

Curiosity piqued, I asked eagerly, "Where?"

Irving's smug look deepened, "I've been scouting for a while, but a lady like you can't be without a proper roost."

"It's been tough. I've seen a few places, but nothing's clicked," I lamented, "So, where's this spot?"

"Golden Peak Town!"

"Is it finished?" I inquired, already familiar with the place. Hannah and I had driven past the new Hilltop Retreats development recently, and it was undeniable. "It's sectional, and the upper part above Hilltop Retreats is done."

"The upper part? I thought those sold out ages ago. Just the other day, I took Hannah there, and they said they were all gone." I replied skeptically.

Irving's confidence didn't waver, "It depends who's asking. If you've got your heart set on it, there's always a way.

"Really?" I exclaimed, thrilled, "I did fall for one place, but let's be clear that I'm paying for it myself."

"Why stand on ceremony with me?"

I insisted, "It's important to keep things straight."

"Fine! You can pay for it yourself." Irving conceded, feigning defeat.

I took a gulp of my drink, "Thanks in advance. Being without a home is a real drag, like a nomad with no sense of security."

"Just like me, putting everything aside to focus solely on negotiating with VitalAxis Pharmaceuticals. I'm in the same boat, no guarantees," Irving confided.

"That's where your talents come into play. Bennett values skill. Invest a bit more in your tech, and you'll stand out," I said nonchalantly, confident that Irving could read between the lines. With that, I reached my conversational limit and stood up, eyes darting around before adding, "Harmony's PureLife BioPharma is rising fast, a dark horse to watch."

After a meaningful glance at Irving, whose expression grew serious, I declared I was full and suggested we join the others, "Olivia of yours really dotes on the kids." Irving had no choice but to follow as I headed out.

As we walked, I asked about Nettie's plans to stay or go abroad.

Irving answered absently, "It can't say for sure. Kids change their minds every day."

"It'd be nice if she stayed. You'd have an extra pair of hands," I commented casually.

"A girl needs a good partner," Irving replied nonchalantly.

I shot him a look, "Yeah. What a terrible marriage I had."

He realized his gaffe and backpedaled, "No offense, and you're exceptional. You had a rich and powerful family, and who's to underestimate? We're not in the same league."

"I wouldn't sell yourself short, Mr. Bradlee. Nettie's quite a catch. With the right guidance, she could do wonders." I said pointedly.

But Irving didn't bite, steering clear of further discussion.

Janice was right. Irving's fatherly front was all for show. If Nettie chose to stick with the Bradlee family, it seemed like a rough road ahead.