Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 529

"Seriously, I tried to get Monique to dig into the issue, but even she couldn't pry any information. That's why I didn't keep her around. I was afraid there were skeletons in the closet. I'm betting Fidelia knows something. But I didn't ask Camilla, because it seems to be her off-limits, you know?" I said to my dad, weighing each word with caution.

My dad nodded in hearty agreement, "You did the right thing. Camilla isn't as straightforward as she seems!"

"Dad, you feel it too? I've caught her lying a few times. That's why I started to get a vibe about her! How did you figure it out?" I asked with curiosity.

The old man had a knack for reading people, that was for sure.

He said coolly, "It's in her eyes! There's another pair of eyes lurking behind hers!"

"Oh..." I mulled over my dad's words, sinking into deep thought.

I had total faith in what my dad said and I definitely shared that feeling. Whenever I was around Camilla, I often found myself instinctively wanting to clarify what I meant, as if she wouldn't get it otherwise! Every time, it felt like she was looking at me with a different kind of gaze. And I couldn't quite put my finger on what that feeling was.

But dad had hit the nail on the head.

I thought it had something to do with her life with Jerome.

On the kids' first day of school, I personally dropped the sisters off. They were over the moon to be at the same school. We'd checked out the school beforehand. It was a reputable public elementary with strong faculty and solid facilities. Right across from the elementary was the middle school they'd eventually move up to, one of the top in the state. They came home from their first day all excited, practically skipping with joy, and they walked home by themselves.

That gave them a real sense of accomplishment. Back in Goldenvale Town, that would've been a no-go.

I was confident because along Oldtown Avenue, there were other kids from the neighborhood who attended the same school. The Damon family next door, notably, had three of their children enrolled there. They walked together and looked out for each other. It was safer that way!

Though I didn't pick them up, I knew Hannah had covertly scoped out their dismissal routine.

Hannah was always on top of things.

At dinner, they were buzzing with excitement, chattering about the day's fun. My favorite part was hearing about their self-introductions in class.

Each of them gave me a lively reenactment, and their spirited faces overwhelmed me with a total delight to watch.

Pride, I was in sheer pride!

After observing for a few days, there was no need for us to chaperone them. They went to school in high spirits each morning and came back in a group each evening without a single straggler! Monique was like the queen bee of Oldtown Avenue, a natural-born leader.

During this time, we also got the backyard fitted with cameras, eliminating any potential dangers and putting my mind at ease.

For a week into school, Jaylan hadn't made a single call to ask why the kids weren't back in Goldenvale Town or to check on Carl's injury.

It was the best performance ever of an ex-husband!

But in a way, it was a relief. No contact was the best. I guessed he must be in hot water by now, with creditors not known for their kindness.

I was enjoying some playful time at home with Carl when I received a call from an unknown number. I thought about it and decided not to answer.

I wanted to test the waters. If it was important, they'd call back.

Without a doubt, the phone rang again shortly after. This time, I swiped to answer without hesitation.

A girl's voice came through, "Ms. Wilburn, it's Nettie! I'd like to meet up if that's okay with you."

"Nettie?" I muttered, then remembered these two people still holed up in Silverdale City.

"Sure! You pick the place," I agreed without a second thought, after all, she was Janetta's daughter. And their family trouble had to be addressed sooner or later. I was keen to get a read on them.

"Let's meet at Aroma Embrace Coffee, at 2 PM. I'll be waiting," Nettie said, her voice polite.

"Alright."

I hung up, wondering if Irving was changing his tactics by having Nettie reach out to me.

I glanced at the clock and called out for Hannah, who was over at Wood Manor.

As I waited for her, I pondered for a moment before dialing Janice's number on my phone.