Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

Chapter 362

That night, sleep eluded me, nerves inexplicably on edge.

Jaylan and Gemma's conversation tossed and turned in my mind. Gemma was a ticking time bomb,

and if she exploded, it would be my dearest who'd suffer. I couldn't let my parents be threatened

because of me. Yet, it wasn't time to cast her out entirely.

Moreover, if Gemma was involved, undoubtedly others would be too. The only viable solution seemed

to be reversing the roles, turning her into my pawn. With that thought, my mind settled somewhat.

As for how to do it, I needed the right opportunity.

The next day.

Before I could even rub the sleep from my eyes, I was jolted awake by persistent knocking.

Groggy and grumpy, I opened the door to find Jaylan, all buttoned-up and proper. I had complained

about his snoring the night before, prompting him to retreat to the guest room.

I figured he wanted his own space too. After all, Goldenvale Town was a mess.

"What's up?" I asked, not hiding my irritation. "Why so dressed up? You don't sleep or what?"

"Allie, still half-asleep?" he said with a placating smile. "Did you have a rough night? It's nine already,

and we've got important stuff today!"

"Nine?" I was startled, apparently having overslept. But I was still petulant. "So what? I'm going back to

bed. You and Dad can handle it."

After that, I tried to shut the door, but he wedged his foot in, "Honey, it really is crucial today. Dad says

you need to be there. We'll come back and you can sleep all you want, okay?"

I turned, flopped back onto the bed, and he rushed in, cajoling me with all his might.

I just wanted to test how desperate he was. Why else would I let him sweet-talk me? The sight of him

was becoming as repulsive as maggots.

"Enough!" I finally snapped, exasperated. "Get out, I'm getting ready!"

He reluctantly left after a few more reminders.

Once the door closed, I opened my eyes wide, scoffing internally. He really was desperate.

After freshening up and changing, I heard a phone ring at the door. Jaylan must have been waiting

outside.

While brushing my teeth, I leaned closer to the door. Jaylan was on the phone, his voice hoarse with

annoyance, "Jessica, cut the crap. If you don't want the job, just say it. You can leave right now.

Remember, I can make sure you're gone for good!"

I sneered silently, returning to the bathroom. Without listening further, I knew Jessica was still causing a Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

fuss. Hazel must have been restless all night.

Dressed and ready, I found Jaylan pacing by the door. As soon as he saw me, his face lit up with

feigned cheer, "Let's go downstairs! Galen's been waiting!"

I grunted an acknowledgment and headed down.

Dad was indeed in the living room, sipping his morning tea and browsing the paper. Mom hurried over.

"Come have some breakfast. You can't start the day on an empty stomach. Who knows what lunch will

be like? If it's not to your liking, just come on home and I'll have something ready."

"Isn't Dad in a rush?" I deliberately sounded annoyed. "I'm still not awake, for heaven's sake."

Dad chuckled, "I set it for ten, so there's time. Come have breakfast."

I glanced at Jaylan, then headed straight for the dining room where Hannah was already sitting.

"Did you sleep well last night?" I asked her. Deep down, I knew she probably hadn't. She had left early

the night before, not just to escape Jaylan's droning but also to cover for me.

As someone who'd been there, I understood what that embrace, from the man she pined for, meant to

Hannah. Predictably, at my question, her cheeks flushed, and she nodded vigorously, "Very well. It's so

quiet here!"

I smirked, thinking how the quiet surroundings contrasted with her tumultuous heart.

Considering we had serious business later, I joined her for breakfast without further teasing.

After eating, we set out and arrived at VitalAxis Pharmaceuticals just five minutes shy of ten.

This was my first visit to VitalAxis Pharmaceuticals. Surprisingly, it was more impressive than I

imagined.