Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 197

Just as I was about to leave, my cell phone rang. I picked it up and saw it was my dad, so I answered with an exaggerated sign of exhaustion, "Hey, dad!"

"How's everything going?" His voice, warm and soothing, brought me some comfort.

"Not so good, Dad. I'm kind of stuck here in Goldenvale Town until I find the kid. No telling when I can get back to Silverdale City," I said, hinting at my predicament which I knew he would understand. Sure enough, he immediately reassured me, "Don't worry, just stay home and cooperate with the investigation. The kids are fine with your mom and me. How's everything at Medsafe Liyah Inc.?"

"I'm not sure, to be honest. I've been caught up in this mess since I got back. I guess we'll just have to see how it goes," I responded, feigning disinterest.

"What about Jaylan?" my father asked sternly. Jaylan, who had been eavesdropping on our conversation, jumped at the mention of his name, "Uh…Dad, I'm here."

"Jaylan, you've really disappointed me. I thought you were someone who could handle responsibility, yet you've caused such a ridiculous commotion! I didn’t want to get involved in your marital issues, but what have you done? I did not blame you for Allie's illness, but now it seems that you have everything to do with it!!" My dad's voice boomed in anger.

Jaylan's face turned beet red, but I could detect a hint of defiance! I knew him too well. He was being chastised by my father in front of Catherine and he had nowhere to hide his embarrassment.

"I thought I could leverage our newly opened overseas market to give Medsafe Liyah Inc. some extra support and to strengthen its foundations. But it seems I'm fighting a losing battle. I'd better save myself the embarrassment," my dad concluded, and with a click, he hung up!

The room was silent as a grave. I closed my eyes with a pained expression on my face.

After a while, I turned to the woman Catherine had brought with her and said, "Lady, I'm starving!"

Upon hearing this, she immediately turned and headed for the kitchen. Watching her disappear into the kitchen, I gave a wry smile and said to Catherine, "I've become a laughingstock."

Catherine sighed and softly comforted me, "Don't overthink it. Your dad's just angry. He's not going to abandon you."

"I'm the one who's going to bring down the Wilburn family! How can I ask them for help?" I laughed sarcastically. "I've become a suspect now, with all this sickness..."

Jaylan's eyes darkened. He sat in silence for a while, and then stood up and said, "Allie, don't take it too hard. I have some things to take care of, so I won't be joining you for dinner. I know I've let you down, but trust me... I won't let you be the laughingstock!"