Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 487

We were practically jogging to keep up with Maddox, entirely ignoring Ronan's earlier words.

Maddox was power-walking, his urgency evident in every brisk step and the frequent anxious glances he cast over his shoulder.

Hannah and I kept up the pursuit, cloaking our urgency in the guise of a casual stroll, dreading that he might spot us. Even though he probably wouldn't recognize us, getting too close could still rouse his suspicions.

He zipped through the streets, making sharp turns until he plunged into a back alley behind Main Street.

We hung back, not daring to follow too closely anymore.

The alley stretched out long and narrow, leading straight to another bustling thoroughfare, and right at the corner stood a weathered apartment complex.

We watched Maddox enter the complex and were about to follow when Larkin appeared out of nowhere, blocking our path with a hushed urgency, "Hold on, you two. This is Maddox's mother's place. Don't spook him!"

Hannah and I froze, but Larkin gestured to her, "Get going. I've got eyes on him. Don't muck things up. If he gets wind of us, we'll never track down Zora."

In a low voice, I asked Larkin, "Any sign of Zora or my son?"

He shook his head with conviction, "Nothing yet."

Reluctantly, I cast one last glance towards the complex before retreating with Hannah the way we came.

Back at the inn, I let out a sigh of defeat, murmuring to Hannah as we walked, "How come there's still no word on her?"

Night fell, and Ronan's people began trickling back with updates-one reported that Jaylan had made it to the city, while another confirmed that Jerome's men had arrived, a party of four.

But the real kicker came from Logan, who sent over a crystal-clear phone recording of Clara calling Zora.

"Hey, sis, you're back in town but not coming home?" Clara's voice was as provocatively sweet as ever.

Zora fired back with barely-contained rage, "What's your game, Clara?"

"Just missing you, my dear sister, that's all. Heard you were back, figured I should too. I've been away for too long. Gotta see mom and dad, right?" Clara's voice was saccharine, almost teasing. "Don't give me that. It's your home, not mine. I didn't come back for that. You're always scheming, Clara!"

"Sis, that's cold. We're flesh and blood, remember? I've let bygones be bygones. Why can't you do the same?"

"Even if I owed you back then, Clara, I've paid my dues over the years. You-"

Clara cut her off, "Stop harping on about that measly living expenses. What about the rest?"

Zora's voice erupted, "How the hell did you know I was back, Clara? What more do you want? Don't push your luck. You think sleeping with a wanted man gives you power over me? He'll be behind bars soon enough, and you'll be left high and dry."

In the call, Zora's side sounded quiet, maybe she was outdoors, with the rustling of wind.

Clara laughed, "Taking you down would be no sweat for a wanted man. How I know is irrelevant. What matters is I do. Come home, Zora. Mom's practically going blind from crying over missing you." "She's always blind and worthless! If she were not, that monster wouldn't still be alive," Zora spat.

"Zora, dear sister, you might want to reconsider. I've figured out the family mystery. Don't you want to know what mom has to say about your real daddy?" Clara urged, relentless, "Come home. Or I'll let Jerome know where to find you."

Silence enveloped the call, Clara's words clearly hitting a nerve.

Seizing the moment, she added, "Oh, and your precious Jaylan will be back too. He's livid because I told him you've run off with another Dawson child. He's desperate..." Clara's laughter echoed as the call ended.