Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

After Geneva left, I rushed back to Serene Garden Homes, only to find that everyone was out.

I didn't call anyone, instead, I retreated to my room. Last night's indulgence in wine had left me feeling like a rag doll, utterly devoid of strength.

As soon as Milo saw me, he leaped onto the bed and snuggled up to me.

I checked my phone, which had been on vibrate mode so it wouldn't interrupt my conversation with Geneva. I noticed a missed call from Dad and quickly called him back.

He answered immediately, asking, "Sweetheart, you heading back to Silverdale City on Tuesday?"

Without hesitation, I replied, "Yes. I've wrapped up things here, and it's time to head back."

He hummed in satisfaction.

I teased him with a chuckle, "I've barely been gone a few days, and you're already rushing me."

He just laughed, "We've got the full backing of the officials this time, making a big splash. You've got to be there. It's a historic moment, which can't do it without my girl."

I could hear the love in his voice and couldn't help but grin.

Then I remembered Mason and asked, "Mason hasn't made any moves, has he?"

I was still worried. I had left in a hurry and hadn't had the chance to discuss it with Galen properly.

"No moves so far. But since you mentioned he's been seen with Jesper, he's probably up to no good. But don't worry, Ronan's got everything under control," Galen assured me with utmost trust in Ronan.

"I haven't had the chance to ask about the investigation into Mason, but Ronan and the team have some leads. Looks like he's the fall guy."

"That's a whole nest of vermin." Dad cursed, "So when Ronan approached me, I didn't hesitate to join forces with him to root out this scum. It's our civic duty. Besides, it's not the theft that's the problem, it's the constant threat. With these rats targeting leading businesses, it's a ticking time bomb."

"But our combined strength still seems too little," I said worriedly, "They're like cockroaches, crawling everywhere, and we're out in the open while they're in the shadows."

"That's why we need to reshuffle the deck, and make sure our businesses are clean," Dad declared confidently, "Whoever does this first will reap the benefits. We can't afford to slack off."

"I was wondering why he's been so busy and out of sight." I quipped absentmindedly.

But immediately I realized there was

something wrong with that

yel.ne

statement, and thankfully it was my

dad across the table, or else'd have

people criticizing me.

A knock on the door interrupted us, and I quickly told my dad, "Gotta go, something's up. I'll head back early."

He grunted and hung up.

As I ended the call, I called out, "Come in."

Hannah entered phone in hand, eyes glued to her screen, "Allie, check this out."

I sat up and took her phone, looking at the screen. It displayed a photo of an intricate handmade model of a wooden dinghy.

"It's a model boat, beautifully crafted. Where'd you snap this?" I asked.

Hannah sat down next to me and

zoomed in on a small tag on the et

boat the

read, "Oldtown Avenue

Handcrafted," with "Silverdale"

stamped in the middle.

Confused, I looked at Hannah, "Is this from Silverdale City's Oldtown Avenue?"

Instead of answering, Hannah zoomed back out to show it was part of her chat with Fidelia.

I frowned, "You're chatting with Fidelia, so she sent this to you?"

"Fidelia said it was a gift from Camilla. She's always wanted it, saw it once on Oldtown Avenue," Hannah revealed.

I stared at Hannah, puzzled, "Are you suggesting Camilla went to Silverdale City?"

"It looks like Camilla's trip was to Silverdale City," Hannah said with a hint of excitement.

I stood abruptly, "Camilla went to Silverdale City? For business?"

Hannah nodded, "That's my guess."

It didn't make sense. What business did Camilla have in Silverdale City? She had told Fidelia she'd quit her job, and Fidelia mentioned there was no delivery of medication.

So, what was Camilla's real reason for going to Silverdale City?

Both Hannah and I fell silent, consumed by our thoughts.