Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 531

As I set down my phone, Hannah cocked her head and asked, "Allie, you heading out?"

I glanced at her and replied, "Yep, Nettie's asked to meet up!"

"Just the two of you?" Hannah prodded.

"Mmm, but it's not set in stone. She didn't say her dad wanted to meet, just that she did!"

Hannah scoffed, "As if she can call the shots. What's the point of meeting with you?"

I paused for a moment before responding, "Since when did you become so pragmatic?"

"It's not about being pragmatic," Hannah retorted. "Irving's a shrewd one, and I doubt Nettie has him figured out. What difference can she make? It'll be a waste of time. She can't make decisions anyway!" Hannah had quite a bias against Nettie because of the complications Janice faced with her premature birth.

"Maybe so, but she called me twice. Must be something important she wants to discuss," I said calmly. "No harm in hearing her out. If I'm just loafing around at home, might as well take a stroll and see what's on her mind."

"Curiosity killed the cat!" Hannah laughed recklessly. "Alright then, off you go! Good thing Carl's napping, or you wouldn't dream of leaving once he wakes up."

"Good point. Let's get going." I chuckled, grabbed my bag, and gave a quick word to Mom before scurrying out the door with Hannah.

Lately, Carl had been clinging to me constantly. I couldn't even step away for a moment without him seeking me out. That's mother-son love for me.

Helga was oblivious to my situation with Carl, always nagging that the little lord grew fussier by the day, always wanting me in sight.

Truth be told, it didn't sit well with me. But I hadn't spilled the beans about the real story, not even to Catherine. I'd wait until I found that missing piece of myself. Once Hannah and I left the house, I checked the time and suggested, "Let's call the driver to pick us up at the street corner and we can walk there." Hannah was on the phone with the driver in a flash, asking him to meet us.

We strolled along, taking in the sights of the bustling shops. The street had perked up recently, with storefronts looking more inviting and foot traffic on the rise. They sold an assortment of unique snacks, trendy food in restaurants, boutique items of Silverdale City, and distinctive tourist souvenirs, drawing crowds of visitors. Especially these past few days, Catherine's film crew had set their shooting dates, and with big-name stars rumored to join. The promotion was in full swing.

This buzz created a domino effect, with Oldtown Avenue undergoing repairs and decorations, and shops opening left and right. The street was abuzz with the signs of new businesses. Catherine had called me just yesterday, saying she'd be back in town soon and to wait for her in Silverdale City.

I asked about her injury, and she playfully accused me of not caring.

Annoyed, I retorted, "Oh please, I was just focusing on looking for my lost child recently!"

She thought the lost child I referred to was Carl.

If she knew the truth that Carl wasn't my son but Jaylan and Zora's, she'd tear Jaylan apart.

At the thought of it, I blamed myself for being too naive, trusting everyone without thinking twice. That's how I ended up being played.

I idly perused the shop displays, lost in my private turmoil. It was a bittersweet feeling.

Just as I walked past a snack bar, a man stepped out, a toothpick dangling from his mouth. He glanced back in the opposite direction without a care for his surroundings, nearly bumping into me.

I instinctively dodged, and he gave me a cold look before we passed each other. A familiar scent wafted by, and I inhaled instinctively. It was something I recognized, a scent I had encountered before.

I turned to look back, but the man was already far off, his quick stride taking him away. As I watched his retreating figure, I was momentarily lost in thought.

The street was crowded, and as he wove through the people, heading against the flow, I felt a sudden tightness in my chest.

In the next second, I grabbed Hannah's arm and whispered, pointing at the man's back, "Hannah, follow him. See where he's going."