Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 398

The news all but confirmed my worst fears - Catherine was in trouble.

I glanced at the timestamp of our last call - 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Now, ten hours had passed.

Panic clawed at my insides. I turned on my heel, muttering, "I need to get back to Goldenvale Town. I have to find her!" Ronan's reflexes were lightning-fast as he grabbed my arm. "Allie, hold up. Logan's on it. We'll act on solid leads." "Ten hours, Ronan! She's been out of touch for ten hours!" My voice broke in desperation. "All alone in Goldenvale!"

"Just give us a minute! Trust me, my guys are faster," Ronan soothed me.

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. Logan was stone-faced, constantly on the phone, coordinating the search.

His men, roused from sleep, were now in full work mode.

Suddenly, Ronan asked, "What about Hannah?"

That's when I remembered the unresolved issue at home. It seemed like everything was piling on at once. I briefed Ronan on the mess with Gemma.

Then I remembered I was still holding Gemma's phone. Handing it to Ronan, I said, "Get someone to crack this phone. I need to deal with her once and for all. She can't stay in my house anymore." Ronan took the phone and signaled to Derek. "Derek, extract everything!"

Derek nodded, an OK sign flashing as he took the device.

Ronan filled me in on Gemma's background and assured me, "Just send her to the police. We'll shore up the evidence. We need this quiet - no scarecrows in the cornfield."

"That was my biggest worry," I said, now completely reassured.

Soon, the secrets from Gemma's phone were laid bare - messages, photos, call logs. But most revealing were the voice recordings, especially one capturing her conversation with Jaylan in her yard, every word intact.

I was ecstatic. "Perfect, with this, she's done!"

Watching Logan and the others swamped with work, I caught Ronan at a brief pause. "You guys keep at it. I'm heading home. Call me with any news; I can head back to Goldenvale Town at a moment's notice. I can't let Catherine face this alone, but I need to deal with Gemma first."

"Go," Ronan said bluntly. "You're no help here."

I knew it. I was superfluous in the way while they worked remotely on Goldenvale's situation.

Every second was precious for Catherine. I couldn't waste her chances.

With a heavy heart, I left the bustling Wood Manor and set my plan. Once Gemma was handled, I'd make for Goldenvale.

When I went back home, Dad was up, sitting on the couch, looking severe while Gemma tried to talk her way out of trouble.

Hannah listened, expressionless, her face saying, "Let the bitch talk."

She knew I'd be back soon.

Seeing me, Hannah flashed a grin, raising an eyebrow.

Gemma clammed up at my entrance, her anxious eyes betraying guilt.

Truth be told, with Catherine's situation weighing on me, I had no patience for Gemma's excuses. I wanted her gone, and fast.

"Hannah, call the police," I said, cutting to the chase.

Gemma's face twisted in defiance. "Miss Wilburn, you can't do this to me. I was just curious about my new phone. Taking photos isn't a crime, is it?" Her retort made me laugh out loud. The nerve of her!