Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 354

We piled into the car, and I instructed the driver to drive straight to the hospital. I needed to check in on Addrion.

Walking into Addrion's room, I was taken aback. Not only was Addrion there, but so were Ronan and Logan, plus another guy with tanned skin and brown eyes.

Hannah lit up at the sight of him, exclaiming, "Larkin, you're back?"

Larkin stood up, his greeting lukewarm, simply saying, "Yeah, I'm back."

"Did you finish the mission?" Hannah prodded.

"Done," Larkin replied, still with that same nonchalant demeanor.

Addrion, spotting me, perked up. "Aaliyah, you're back?"

With a smile, I sauntered over, a pinch of guilt gnawing at my conscience. I had promised to visit Tatyanna when I was back in Goldenvale Town, but I'd dropped the ball.

"Just got back today! Came straight to see you," I said, gesturing for Hannah to set down our big bag of fruit on the coffee table.

"I knew you'd come through!" Addrion chuckled, taking a bunch of grapes from Logan to make room for me. "Grab a seat!"

Logan, looking thoroughly bummed, shuffled over to the bed and flopped down.

I took a seat, and Ronan introduced me to Larkin. I nodded along with a polite smile.

Turning to Addrion, I noted he looked much better and even a bit plumper than before. "Big bro, you're looking good!"

"Being home does wonders. Good food, good sleep, plus top-notch care. The docs say I'll be out of here in no time," Addrion reported, "I should be discharged soon."

I quickly chimed in, "I didn't get a chance to see Tatyanna on this trip."

"No worries, a few days won't make a difference!" Addrion grinned. "Heard you had another brush with death?"

Casting a glance at Ronan, I gave a self-deprecating smirk. "Seems like I'm always racing with the Grim Reaper."

Logan, from his spot on the bed, snorted. "You seem to be a trouble magnet."

Larkin, hearing Logan's comment, gave me a curious look.

"What can I do? It's always something," I shrugged, trying to downplay their concern.

"It's not the thieves in the night that scare you. It's the ones that keep coming back," Logan quipped, then turned to Ronan. "Might as well pair Larkin with Hannah. One in the light, one in the shadows." Hannah's eyes sparkled at the suggestion.

Ronan pondered for a moment, then said to Larkin, "You got any unfinished business?"

Larkin shook his head. "Nope, I'm all clear."

"Then pair up with Hannah. You two can work that 'light and shadow' angle without being too tired." Ronan instructed. "Be ready to move on my say-so."

"Sure, I don't need a break," Larkin responded, his expression unreadable.

Such a poker face.

But the talk of adding more security around me made me feel uneasy. "Isn't this all a bit much? It's not that serious, is it? No need to go all commando on me. It's freaking me out!" Logan gave me a look, the shadow veiling his expression suggesting more unsaid words.

Ronan, however, explained, "Better safe than sorry. Jerome's still at large, and there's no sign of him skipping town. We can't predict his moves, which means there's risk."

Then he asked casually, "How'd you get out today?"

He was fishing, wondering how I'd slipped away from Jaylan's watchful eye.

"Catherine was deep in conversation with my dad about some Oldtown Avenue project, and Jaylan was all ears. So, Hannah and I took the opportunity to duck out. I had to see how Addrion is doing!" I replied honestly.

"Smart move," Addrion said, giving me a thumbs-up.

I laughed, then continued, "Actually, there's been a lot going down in Goldenvale Town. Been meaning to catch you guys up."

Hannah jumped in, "I've sent the video of Hazel's mishap to the boss already."

I added, "Looks like Hazel was seriously injured! Could that be useful?"

"Definitely," Ronan said. "It's all about leverage."

Logan chimed in, "No worries. I'm timing the release just right."

"We've got plans for the hospital," Ronan noted, looking at me. "We're hoping he'll show his face. The priority now is to wrap up Medsafe Liyah Inc. Make 'em desperate."

"And what about Goldenvale Town?" I asked eagerly.

"A meeting has been set up for us tomorrow," Ronan said casually. "Like you said, hit 'em from both sides. Give 'em a glimpse of hope."

"So, I'm not sticking around long?" I couldn't hide the disappointment in my voice. I had hoped to lay low for a while longer.