Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

I watched them with a wry smile, "Life hasn't been kind to me, so I've got to fight back, right? I've got to keep on living."

Janetta, who had been quietly listening in, chimed in, "That's already quite impressive, stronger than me. There's still time."

I grinned and took Janetta's hand, "You've got time too. Get well soon, so you and Janice can run the business together. Make a comeback."

She shook her head, her eyes misting over, and looked down, "It's not easy."

"You're not the type to go down without a fight. Maybe we'll even have a chance to partner up in the future." I encouraged her, "As long as you're alive, there's always hope." Janice, quick to speak her mind, said, "She's always thinking about that thankless wretch."

Janice was referring to Nettie.

Janetta cast an annoyed glance her way, "Don't talk about her like that."

"Even now, she's still protecting her." Janice was visibly upset, her expression cooling, "You've been awake for so long, has she come to visit you? Even a simple greeting?"

I instinctively replied, "Actually, there was a greeting. A few days ago..."

Janetta's gaze snapped to mine, her grip on my hand tightening.

I paused, then continued, "A few days ago, she and Irving were in Silverdale City to discuss a partnership, and I saw her. She asked me to tell you that she couldn't come to see you and that you should take care and keep on living."

I relayed the message verbatim.

Janice exploded, "Listen to that. Is that how a person should talk?? What does she mean she couldn't come to see her? How can she spend every day with Olivia, putting on a smile in front of the person who's caused her own mother so much pain? How can she stomach it? And take care? As if we needed her to tell us that."

"She said I should live well," Janetta interjected, trying to stop Janice's outburst.

I shot Janice a stern look, "Cool it! Don't add fuel to the fire. If she said that much, it means she still cares about Janetta. Don't be too harsh."

Janetta nodded vigorously, relief in her eyes, "Right. She said it, and she cares. She has me in her heart."

Janice turned to Geneva, "You see? This is how it is. I'm so good to her, and it doesn't mean as much as Nettie's single sentence."

Geneva quickly tried to calm Janice down, "You're definitely overreacting. Stop talking like that. Maybe Nettie has her reasons?"

I was about to share how Nettie looked when I saw her the other day but thought better of it. It would only upset Janetta more, so I swallowed my words.

I always felt that talking about my interactions with Irving and his involvement was best kept to a minimum around them.

But Nettie's message, I had delivered it, and perhaps it was a comforting word for Janetta.

Catherine quickly changed the subject, but Janetta quietly pulled me aside for a private chat about Nettie. I shared only that I had seen her once and described her current state.

She asked me to snap a recent photo of Nettie if I got the chance.

I promised her that. After all, I understood a mother's heart best.

We carried on until three in the afternoon when Janice had to head home to tend to her baby, and we all went our separate ways.

Then I took Hannah to Medsafe Liyah Inc.

The place was in better shape than when it was under the Dawson family's control the last time I visited. I saw many familiar faces. Addrion was ecstatic to see me.

He pulled me into his office and practically pushed me into a chair, "Allie, take it all in, does it feel like you're back?"

I leaned back theatrically, "It is so good! But you've changed the chairs, right?"

I pointed disdainfully at the chair.

Addrion laughed, plopping down on the desk like he used to back in our school days, still the same rascal.

"Changed them, for sure. Couldn't stand the old ones."

"Well, that's good to hear. I'm just waiting for your good news." I said, eyeing him, "Getting the hang of things?"

"Totally! Everyone's so supportive," Addrion replied earnestly. "Take a break, then come back."

"You can kiss that thought goodbye. This is your battlefield now. Why wouldn't I just sit back and enjoy the dividends? Besides, someone's got to carry VitalAxis Pharmaceuticals, and I want my dad to enjoy life." I had my plans and was definitely not going to take over Medsafe Liyah Inc. again.

After all, it was Addrion's time to shine.

"How's your health?" I asked, concerned.

He stood up and spun around, "I'm holding up just fine, so don't worry about me."

I examined him, and he looked a lot better than the last time I saw him.

Just then, Caleb and a young guy came in, "Mr. Addrion..."