Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 508

My dad was the epitome of modesty, and he said, "Mr. Bradlee, you certainly did your homework. Indeed, it's the technical support from VitalAxis Pharmaceuticals, and there's a tech team, but it's all about

collaboration, and I can't give you the details."

"I want to know the real criteria here, Mr. Wilburn. I'm here with genuine intentions." Irving was getting a bit anxious.

But Galen wasn't in a hurry. He ended the meeting for the day without revealing anything, let alone planning the rest.

Back home, I quizzed my dad, "Dad, how much do you think he'll put in with his capabilities?"

"He's just testing the waters," He replied confidently, "No rush."

He then pointed out some loopholes in Irving's proposition that I hadn't even considered. I had to admit my dad was on another level.

That evening, Hannah and the kids came back covered in grime, looking completely wiped out.

"What happened to you guys?" I asked, baffled by their state, "Are you sure you went surveying, or did you guys demolish something?"

My comment had them collapsing into laughter, and my curiosity peaked, "What's the story?"

"Mom. You nailed it. Hannah's got talent. We didn't get anything done today, just rummaged through the attic at the Wood Manor." Monique said.

I looked at them in disgust, preventing them from sitting down everywhere and dirtying the house, and ordered, "Go take a shower before you come down. You're covered in dust."

They scampered off to the back parlor, still giggling and playful.

Carl, who was already dozing off, perked up at their commotion and tugged at me to join the bathtime fun.

"You? Why do you need a shower? You're not dusty," I teased.

"I got dust." he insisted, pulling me like a stubborn ox towards the parlor.

Helga quickly intervened, "Sweetie, I have got some yummy food for you."

He paused, looking at Helga, who promptly continued to tempt him. Finally, he tilted his head towards her, "No bath, want num nums."

I raised an eyebrow at Helga, who scooped up Carl and headed for the kitchen while I made my way up to Hannah's room upstairs.

I barged in right as Hannah was finishing her shower, asking me to wait a bit.

Soon enough, she emerged, drying her hair, and dropped a bombshell, "That account with a cat's eye isn't Jerome."

I was incredulous, "What?"

That threw me for a loop, "Then who could it be? How can you be so sure it wasn't Jerome?"

"We smoked them out." Hannah explained, "But they did record the Wood Manor today, in great detail. That's how we stumbled upon the manor's library, full of old volumes. As we were browsing those ancient books, I chatted with her casually. She spilled quite a bit about Jerome. I asked how long it had been since she last saw Jerome, and she said it hadn't been since that last video call she made using Camilla's phone."

"So who could this cat's eye be?" I wondered aloud, skeptical, "It's not Camilla either."

"Could it be one of her classmates?" I looked at Hannah for answers.

She shook her head, "No, she mentioned she only has two close classmates, one of whom broke the news of her grandma's passing, and the other from their neighborhood. She said she doesn't chat with anyone else."

"This is getting weird, Then who is it?" My curiosity was piqued.

"I left a trap," Hannah confessed with a sly grin, "I said that this place is Mr. Wilburn's favorite council chamber because, unlike the backyard, it's been fortified in detail, and we'll know if someone sneaks in. So I made it sound crucial to Fidelia. If she spreads the word, someone will definitely try to get in."

I patted her shoulder approvingly, "Clever move. We'll just have to wait and see."

"I did take a risk though, and that room is critical. I regretted setting that trap right after," Hannah admitted, rubbing her hair more vigorously.

"What's there to fear with surveillance? No guts, no glory," I reassured her without a hint of blame, "I have a hunch that if this person isn't Camilla or Jerome, then it's someone Fidelia knows. But if she's willing to listen to them, they're definitely no simpleton."

"I pressed her a few times, but she dodged the questions, so I didn't push too hard," Hannah noted, "This kid's savvy, not the naive sweetheart we imagined."

I pondered for a moment and murmured, "If we still can't figure it out, I have another trick up my sleeve."