Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 420

I casually lifted my gaze to meet his, a slight smirk curving my lips before I turned and walked inside. I could feel that piercing stare on my back, following me until I was out of sight.

Geneva whispered to me, "Looks like he's here for a meeting too."

"Who else could it be? Either a woman or someone he's begging for help. Yeah, I'd bet he's in quite a pickle," I said with certainty.

Geneva hummed in agreement, "That's probably it. He looks desperate."

"He dug his own grave," I said with a bit of schadenfreude. "He just settled his debts with the bank, lucky for him, or they'd be knocking on his door!"

Geneva chuckled, "You're spot on. Word is, he's nearly bankrupt. Shareholders are up in arms, making a scene at Medsafe Liyah Inc. every day. Tax issues, suppliers demanding payments... his office has become a marketplace, but not the prosperous kind. People are secretly dumping their shares."

I spoke coolly, "Catherine was right; it's time to schedule the divorce."

As we chatted, I realized Hannah hadn't followed us. Geneva asked, "Where's Hannah?"

"She'll catch up," I replied nonchalantly.

After Geneva and I ordered our meals, we headed straight to the private room we'd reserved.

Slumping onto the sofa, I sighed, "I need a break. I almost wore out these days..."

"You've come a long way," Geneva remarked with pride. "At first, you could hardly manage two hours straight, and now you're like a warrior that can go on for days!"

"I can't," I joked. "I'm still as fragile as glass."

Geneva chuckled. She sat beside me, somewhat exasperated, "Aaliyah, I didn't really know you back then. You always seemed so quiet, so demure. But now, you're a completely different person-so lively!" "Geneva, marry a scoundrel and see if you stay demure!" I replied with mock bitterness. "Did you see those online trolls? They tore me apart."

Geneva patted my shoulder, trying to comfort me. "Don't listen to them..."

She shook her head, unable to finish, "There are all sorts out there... Remember that woman who jumped from the building after they harassed her online? But remember, Allie, there's no lawless land. They'll get theirs in time. Karma is a bitch."

"I saw that story, too," I said, my heart heavy. "If I had any less shame, I'd have jumped myself. But I can't give up that easily. I have kids to think about, a mission to complete."

"That's the spirit," Geneva nodded approvingly. "No hurdle is insurmountable. We've got to settle scores, or it's a wasted life."

I straightened up, resolved, "I can't live like before. I've got to carve out a new path. Or else, people will chew me up and spit me out."

"You've got the brains and the guts beyond ordinary. I believe in you!"

"Absolutely!" We both laughed, the mood lightened.

Soon enough, Hannah burst through the door, grinning at me and rushing over with her phone in hand.

I took the phone and saw a photo of a man-older, gaunt, with cheeks sunken in. His eyes were unusual - one looking left, the other right, and it was hard to tell where he was actually looking. His gaze carried an unsettling intensity.

I handed the phone to Geneva, "Take a look. This is the guy Jaylan's meeting with. Do you know him?"