Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 473

The next morning, I arrived at the funeral, clad in a sleek black dress, clutching a bouquet of white chrysanthemums. The Dawsons were visibly taken aback by my presence, their eyes wide with shock. Even Jesper, who had warmly invited me just the day before, looked utterly baffled.

The quaint parlor where the service was held felt cramped with only a few Dawsons scattered around. The setup was modest, to say the least-a surprise, considering how Hazel always prided herself on grandeur. This final farewell didn't seem to reflect that.

My gaze swept the room and landed on Camilla. Her reaction was also one of shock at my arrival, and she imperceptibly stepped backward. I merely sent her an enigmatic smile, my face otherwise unreadable.

However, my attention quickly shifted to the robust figure standing protectively in front of her.

Without giving him a second glance, I focused instead on the framed photo displayed prominently in the room. Hazel's face, round and beaming, seemed to watch over each of us, her smile a final parting gesture.

Before I could look away, Jessica, lunged towards me. Someone tried to hold her back but to no avail. She approached me, her eyes red with rage. "What are you doing here? Who let you in?" Her glare was fierce, her eyes bloodshot, presumably from crying. I couldn't help but smirk internally. So dramatic.

When I didn't respond, she reached out as if to grab me, but I caught her wrist and met her eyes with an icy stare. "Are you really going to make a scene here? Because I don't mind."

I glanced at Jesper and whispered to her, "Your brother was right. You can't beat me."

With that, I flung her hand away, and she stumbled back.

Next came Jaylan, his face stern and his dark suit adding to his ominous air. His piercing eyes locked on me as he said coldly, "Aaliyah, this is the Dawson family's mourning. You're no longer one of us, so you shouldn't be here."

I turned to face him, my smile sardonic. "I came to pay my respects on behalf of the kids, to say goodbye to their grandmother. What, you're going to deny me that, too?"

Jaylan stood rigid, a storm of emotions playing across his face. I looked past him with disdain and addressed the room. "Anyone else have a problem? Speak now. Let's not waste any more time."

Jessica couldn't contain herself, her voice rising. "Stop with the fake pity! You've never had good intentions!"

Her cousin held her back as she made to lunge at me again.

"Cut it out, Jessica! You think everyone's as heartless as you. If it weren't for you, Hazel might still be alive. You think we don't know about what you did? How you silenced all those mouths at the hospital?" I derided her openly. "You've already sent Hazel to her grave. Haven't you learned anything? Or are you looking to wreck her funeral too?"

I was there to cause a stir, with words, not actions.

"You're lying! Don't pin that on me!" Jessica thrashed, infuriated by my accusations.

"If it weren't for your brainless act of transferring that huge sum of money, would Medsafe Liyah Inc. have collapsed?" I hit her where it hurt. "You might as well prepare for prison."

"How dare you to strut around the Dawson family like you own the place?" she screamed, turning to Jaylan for support. "Jaylan, throw her out!"

Jaylan echoed her command, "Aaliyah, get off the Dawson property. Now!"

"The Dawsons? Oh, how mighty! You should all be thanking me. Without me, would you even be standing here with dignity?"

I continued arrogantly, "You think you're something special because you've had a few good meals? Forgotten how you all used to cram into one room to survive?"

Jessica, fuming, attempted to charge at me but was held back by Jesper.

"I can say it again and again! Without me, Aaliyah, the Dawsons are nothing!" My mockery was unrelenting. "Now that I'm gone, you'll soon remember what you really are." "Aaliyah, that's enough!" Jessica struggled against Jesper's grip, teeth clenched.

"Quiet! As long as Jerome's here, it's not your place to speak to me!" I turned to face the tall man ahead of Camilla, Jerome!