Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

Back at Serene Garden Homes, Ronan and the others were still hanging around; the place had become our unofficial clubhouse. I felt a swell of comfort at their familiar presence.

I filled Ronan in on the situation with Irving.

"I tested the waters with him. Money doesn't seem to be an issue."

Ronan cracked a knowing smile, "We've done a thorough analysis of Irving's financial conditions. Considering the state of his Elixir Pharma Limited, he shouldn't have such deep pockets. Seems like he's got a powerful ally backing him."

"What are they after?" I asked, puzzled.

"Money laundering. They're cleaning their dirty cash, making their grey income look legit. Investing in a lawful business project is the quickest way." Ronan's gaze met mine, "And the person behind this is probably someone we'd never suspect."

"So, that's why you changed your identity after you got hurt," I murmured, probing further with a tentative question, "and the lab you mentioned to my dad?"

"It exists, and it's mine," Ronan cut in before I could finish, his assurance unshakeable, "Every business front is a legitimate part of my personal assets."

It was then I understood Ronan's true purpose and why my dad had insisted I keep his original identity a secret, to forget Ronan ever existed.

Ronan offered no further explanations. Despite my lingering questions, I didn't press him.

We talked late into the night. I didn't call Catherine. After bidding Ronan goodnight, I headed to catch some rest.

After taking a few steps, a thought suddenly hit me, "I should play along with the trap that Irving has set for me, right?"

Ronan's smile returned, "Exactly. Otherwise, he won't be at ease. Before you move in, I'll have someone check the place thoroughly."

With an Okay, I turned and went upstairs.

After washing up, Geneva called. I picked up cheerfully, "Hey, Allie!"

"You come back and don't even drop a word?"

"I've been running around since I landed, and I haven't had a chance to stop by Medsafe Liyah Inc. yet." I chuckled, "Been dealing with housing stuff, you know." Geneva's laughter rang light and clear, "Catherine told me about the kid. Any leads?"

"None," I replied, my spirits falling, "Still searching."

"Let's catch up tomorrow if you're free," she suggested, sensing my mood dip, "Get some rest."

With no desire to continue the conversation, I hung up.

Lying in bed, I picked up the old phone Hazel had left behind, scrolling through photos of the lost child. I studied each one intently, zooming in until I couldn't anymore. Though unsure if Hazel truly cared for the kid, she had at least kept a digital record of his growth.

Images of the baby eating, sleeping, crawling, sitting, and standing brought tears to my eyes, and sleep eluded me. I couldn't fathom how Hazel came to have the child. Sitting up, I scoured the phone for anything of value. Aside from the photos, it was a dead end, an electronic album of the child's life.

The phone had just two numbers, both now out of service. One must have been that woman's.

Ronan and Logan must have noticed too.

Phone back on the nightstand, I tried to sleep again, but the memories of those who had died, each with their secrets, haunted me like a carousel. Their mysteries tied to me, They all passed away in a hurry with secrets, leaving problems closely related to me, which really made me speechless.

I fretted most about Jesper, still loose in Silverdale City. Predicting their moves was a gamble, but their union spelled trouble.

It was clear I couldn't linger in Goldenvale Town. I had to return to Silverdale City and take action, not just wait. Logan and his team would keep searching for the child.

I'd check Medsafe Liyah Inc., meet up with Geneva, and then head back to Silverdale City.

With a plan, I drifted off to a restless sleep, only to be jolted awake by Irving's early call about seeing a house.

There was no dodging this. After all, in his eyes, I was currently homeless.

After freshening up, Hannah and I met Irving at the corner and drove straight to Hilltop Retreats.

We pulled up before a standalone villa, one of the few Hannah and I had our hearts set on but were previously told had sold out.

Exchanging a glance with Hannah, we stepped out of the car to take a closer look.