Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 358

I couldn't help but sigh. Gemma seemed to know more than I did. I had no idea my dad was still actively buying up the remaining properties.

But I was aware that most of the big fish on the block were already in my dad's pocket.

The small fries that stuck around were mostly the genuinely poor old-timers. Then there were the opportunists who heard about the redevelopment plans and wanted to cash in. A few genuinely loved the neighborhood. And of course, there were those with businesses on Main Street.

Dad had mentioned it last time: for the poor old-timers, he was willing to negotiate. If they wanted out, he'd offer them a sweet deal. If they wanted to stay, he’d refurbish their homes for free. After all, renovating the area was part of his grand vision.

For those who truly loved living here, Dad had policies in place to let them stay put comfortably. Every town needed its residents, after all.

The ones he really needed to reel in were the opportunists. Dad called them cancer, a potential problem for the future.

Of course, my dad wasn’t about to be fleeced by them.

Peering through the door crack once more, my eyes, now accustomed to the dark, made out Jaylan sitting in a wicker chair under the wisteria, rocking gently.

And there, standing right in front of him, was that portly figure.

I cursed under my breath. That loyal old hound.

As soon as Gemma heard Jaylan accuse my dad of greed, she chimed in, "No kidding! I remember him chatting with the missus, saying if he got the whole street, it would be a game-changer, set for life once it's developed. I heard that's where the real money's at!"

Gemma's tone was thick with envy, "Sir, your father-in-law is seriously loaded! Someday, all this will be yours! You're the real lucky one!"

She was shamelessly buttering up Jaylan.

Though I couldn't see Jaylan's face, I could imagine his smugness.

He maintained his lofty boss persona, even his voice dripped with nobility as he deftly changed the subject, "How often has Mr. Richardson who you mentioned last time dropped by?"

My heart leapt. He was onto Bennett.

Gemma hurriedly answered, "A few times, but only dined the once. The other times, he’d come to play chess with Galen, occasionally muttering something incomprehensible. They didn’t like to be disturbed... I couldn’t get close!"

Jaylan was silent for a while before he said to Gemma, "Next time... if Galen wants to go out and the missus tries to stop you, use some of your tricks. You know what I mean, right?"