Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

They caught a hitch in my expression and reeled in whatever they were about to say.

"Come on in!" Addison called out immediately.

I rose to my feet as Addison grinned and tugged at my arm, "Let's have a proper introduction. Meet the new CEO of Medsafe Liyah Inc., Mr. Caleb. And this gentleman is the Port Commissioner, Mr. Nathan."

My gaze narrowed and shifted toward Nathan, who immediately became flustered, rubbing his hands together before bowing respectfully, "Ms. Wilburn!"

I internally snorted, impressed with Addison's bold hiring choices.

"Nathan! This may be our first meeting, but I've heard your name before," I commented. "Here's hoping you'll do right by Mr. Addison in the future."

"I will," Nathan assured me with a firm look.

I didn't pursue the matter further. If Addison trusted him, he must have had his reasons.

Turning to Caleb, I smiled, "Caleb, it seems we're old friends who've barely met."

He returned the smile, extending his hand, "Thank you for your trust, Ms. Wilburn."

I eyed them, "Do you have a matter to attend to?"

Caleb hurriedly admitted, "There's a meeting."

"Then off you go! I'm going to wander around." I glanced at Addison, "Addison, I'll be off. Might head back to Silverdale City tomorrow."

"How about dinner together tonight?" Addison proposed with a hint of reluctance.

As I headed out, I called back, "Coordinate with your contact, I'll be ready whenever."

He saw me to the elevator, and just as the doors closed, I felt a twinge of loss but quickly shrugged it off, feeling at ease again.

Upon reaching the ground floor, I checked the time. It felt too early to head home. "Let's swing by Epoch Plaza," I suggested to Hannah, "I need some new clothes. I'm running out of things to wear." "Roger that!"

We got into the car, and as I was about to start the engine, a red Porsche slid past us. Hannah and I exclaimed in unison, "Isn't that Renata?"

We exchanged glances, and I looked at Hannah skeptically, "What's she doing in this garage?"

"I'll check where she's headed," Hannah said, unbuckling her seatbelt and vanishing in a flash. Soon she returned, panting, "She went to the hotel next door, just caught a glimpse of her back." "It seems she's living the good life again." I quipped.

"We'll find out more about that car later," Hannah said, sending out the photo from her phone.

Secured in her seat, we left the building.

After an hour at the mall, I gave up completely, not bothering with fittings anymore. I had the sales clerk wrap up any piece that caught my eye in the right size. Hannah handled the payment while I slumped into the sofa, too weary to move.

Just then, I caught sight of Farley escorting a flamboyant woman past the store. The woman clung to Farley, pointing at a shop, "Honey, let's check this one out." I nearly burst out laughing, "Honey?" Indeed, Farley had found himself a new toy. He glanced over dismissively, "This place is for young girls. What's there to see?" Clearly, he hadn't noticed me, and he seemed genuinely uninterested in the store. The woman frowned, "Am I old?"

Farley quickly plastered on a smile, "I didn't say you were old. It's just that these styles are too plain for you."

"Tell me the truth, do you think it's too expensive?" she retorted, "Let's just go, then."

With a twist of disappointment, she marched ahead.

I had to admit, the woman had kept up her figure, and her face was well-maintained, her makeup meticulous. She seemed to have dragged Farley here for a shopping spree.

When the woman started to sulk, Farley hurried after her, and their conversation faded out of earshot.

Hannah returned from paying, followed my gaze, and upon seeing Farley and the woman, she chuckled, "See? That's the woman. A special arrangement."

"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow, "Fancy! Not bad at all."

Hannah laughed, "Looks like he's already playing the part. Daring to come to a place like this? The old guy's gonna have to spend a lot of money."

I laughed along, "She has already called him honey. Farley's getting his second shot at romance. I bet it's going to bleed his wallet dry!"

"That woman's known as Fannie, a local legend," Hannah informed me, "She used to be a dancer. She's quite competitive and a bit haughty because of her skills." Curious, I asked Hannah, "How did she end up like this?"