Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

In the array of distinct standalone homes perched atop the platform, Irving showed us the most character of the bunch.

The view was magnificent, with an expansive swimming pool hugging the platform's edge, merging seamlessly with the sky. It was a prime slice of heaven, nestled between the rolling hills and a private garden terrace.

This place was a tad cozier than the Serene Garden Homes, but the vistas were breathtaking. One could gaze down upon the quaint corner of Goldenvale Town, with the endless ocean stretching to the east. Irving had been watching my reactions closely. Now, seeing me leaning on the railing and looking out into the distance, he strolled over with a grin, "Ms. Wilburn, how do you feel about it?"

"Pretty impressive! Wide-open views, pleasant scenery, and over there..." I gestured towards the mountain range behind the villa, "Is it safe?"

"You can count on that." Irving assured me, "Even though we're up here at Hilltop Retreats, we've got plans for development. There's no blind spot in our security. This mountain range is all under security surveillance, no hidden dangers."

"How on earth did you snag this place?" I asked with feigned admiration, "I'm not keen on moving house all the time."

Irving chuckled, "Every chicken has its path, as they say. In business, who doesn't have their connections?" He handed me a set of keys, "Make yourself at home."

"I'd like pay for it myself," I said, taking the keys.

"If our deal goes through, consider it part of your annual cut. This one's just for you," Irving whispered.

"And if it doesn't?" I teased, though my expression betrayed my jest.

"Then you can pay for it yourself," Irving replied with a meaningful smile.

"Deal!" I pocketed the keys without hesitation, feigning contentment, "I'll have someone come tidy up in the next few days. Finally, a place to call my own."

"I've got a flight to Silverdale City tomorrow. Are you heading back?" Irving asked relaxed after seeing me secure the keys.

"Not just yet. I still need to check in at Medsafe Liyah Inc.," I replied nonchalantly.

"Maybe we could continue discussing the partnership with Medsafe Liyah Inc.?" Irving hinted, seeing an opportunity.

"Give me a break. Jaylan has turned Medsafe Liyah Inc. upside down. I need to catch my breath and set things straight," I replied with a legitimate reason.

I thought to myself, "Medsafe Liyah Inc.? Don't even think about it. There's no way I'm leaving any loose ends this time."

"I've left it all in the hands of a former associate. My main focus now is on Silverdale City, even my dad's protested." I said with a smile, giving him a playful glance, "Sometimes, it really is hard to be in two places at once."

Gevena's call couldn't have been better timed. I made sure Irving heard, "Gevena, I'll be done here shortly. You go ahead, and I'll be right there."

After I hung up, Irving asked casually, "Mrs. Atwood?"

"Yep! A little get-together with the girls," I said nonchalantly, "Well then, see you in Silverdale City."

Before hopping into the car, I threw Irving a meaningful look, "Push hard!"

Irving raised an eyebrow and smirked as if we shared an unspoken understanding.

We each got into our cars, and I told Hannah the address, while Irving drove off.

I rang Ronan and gave him the villa's address.

"Thinking of moving in?" Hannah asked, "It really is a lovely place."

"Yes, I'll stay, at least until they sign the contract. I need to give him some peace of mind," I told Hannah.

Arriving at our usual spot for the girls' meet-up, I was surprised to see Janice had brought Janetta along.

It had been a while since I'd seen Janetta, who looked much better, a bit plumper, still in a wheelchair, but speaking was no longer an issue.

Gevena greeted me with a wave and a smile, "Busy first thing in the morning? Show me you're all fixed up now."

I laughed, teasing back, "All proper now."

They all laughed, and Catherine gave me a side-eye, "How improper were you before?"

"The worst! I was always acting dead, and you expect me to be proper?" I walked over, set my bag down, and sat next to Janetta, "Janetta, you're recovering so quickly." Janetta's eyes immediately welled up.

Janice said to me, "See what I mean? She gets over one thing and starts another, cries at the drop of a hat now."

I looked at her and patted her hand, "That's not like you. You don't look the part of a tragic heroine, and crying doesn't suit you."

Laughs circled the group again as Janetta quickly wiped her eyes.

Turning to Gevena, I asked, "Is lunch sorted? I'm starving here, no more filling up on water, please."

"Today's on Janice," Gevena informed me.

"Why's that?"

"Her husband just got a big promotion," Gevena said with a hint of envy.