Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 467

I gazed at Jesper's countenance, trying to decipher the underlying intentions of his persistent urging for me to attend the funeral. There was no way I was going to buy his story.

Shifting slightly, I made myself look utterly relaxed, as if I hadn't a care in the world, and probed, "To be brutally honest, even if I did show up, your mom wouldn't be thrilled. Let's face it, the Dawsons have never liked me! And now that Jaylan and I are divorced, it would be downright awkward for me to make an appearance."

"Oh, Aaliyah, you're overthinking it! You know how my mom is-when has she been nice?" He tried to explain. But he was spot on; Hazel had never been nice to anyone.

I offered a noncommittal smile, not voicing any disagreement.

"All these years, we're grateful for what you've done. You know my mom-she might have a sharp tongue, but she's clear-sighted. Otherwise, why would she entrust you with anything?"

An inner scoff escaped me, my suspicions confirmed. There it was the ulterior motive.

Without skipping a beat, I replied, "What she gave me wasn't a gift; she wanted me to buy a burial plot for her grandson, Evan. That puzzled me too. Why on earth she insisted I handle it is beyond me. Honestly, it's the last thing I should be dealing with!"

I didn't shy away from the subject, stating it outright.

"The truth is, I suspect she was trying to torture me. After all, that child is a thorn in my side, whether he's your brother's seed or Jaylan's, it doesn't matter to me.

Not to mention, they were the catalyst for this whole mess. Now, they've both met their end, but at the cost of Medsafe Liyah Inc. Jesper, don't you think that's a hefty price to pay?"

I didn't mince my words, but I needed Jesper to feel the weight of it too. I knew him well enough to know he treasured Medsafe Liyah Inc.-it had given him a most respectable position, that of General Manager!

As expected, Jesper's expression soured, his nod filled with resignation. "You're right, Aaliyah."

I piled on the pressure, bringing Zora and Jessica into the mix.

"Yet your mother handed this task off to me. That day, out of concern for her grave injuries and frail state, I took on the responsibility without much thought. And then there's Zora and Jessica, badgering me with their insolence. I was too incensed to comply. But upon leaving, it just felt inappropriate."

Having made my point, I reached for my bag, unzipped it, and pulled out the small wallet Hazel had given me, sliding it across the table toward him. Calm and collected, I said, "This is what your mother left. It seems more fitting for you to have it. After all, you're the kid's uncle. Out of the whole Dawson clan, you're the most reliable. You handle it.

It's perfect timing, too, with Hazel gone. She adored that grandson, considered him the apple of her eye. You can bury them together; having her beloved grandchild by her side will surely bring her joy." My words were impeccably crafted, the rationale more than sufficient. Jesper couldn't possibly refuse. Not that he would-he'd come for this very reason.

But to successfully give him an out while offloading this hot potato was a win for me.

Internally, I gave myself a pat on the back, a silent commendation for my foresight. When I had transferred that money, I hadn't cleaned out the account; I left a sum just in case.

And today, that precaution paid off.

Jesper immediately adopted a regretful demeanor, waving his hands dismissively, "Aaliyah, you've got it all wrong! That wasn't my intention! You misunderstood me!"

I nodded with full understanding, my tone gentle and kind, "I get it, I know you're a sensible man. The mere fact you're discussing this with me today shows you have a tender heart. That's comforting to know. At least there's someone sensible in the Dawson family. I'm content with that. I haven't overthought."

I pushed the wallet further toward him, insisting, "Please, take it, Jesper. You're better suited to handle this than I am. It won't cause me any more trouble, especially now that I'm divorced from Jaylan.

The day Jessica was hounding me for it, I truly considered giving it to her. But I don't trust her. I've seen it; there's a bank card inside. Your mom never gave me the PIN, and I didn't have the chance to check. But if that card ended up in Jessica's hands, not a dime would be left, let alone enough to purchase a burial plot."

I laid out my opinion of Jessica quite vividly, leaving no stone unturned.