Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 463

After what seemed like an eternity, he lifted his tear-streaked face to look at me, managing a sinister smile through his misery. "Divorce? Sure, I'll agree to your terms... but I have one condition of my own."

Finally, he was talking. Of course, I knew what his 'condition' would be.

I smiled, content and confident, then spoke with deliberate emphasis, "You're in no position to bargain with me!"

"Then forget about getting a divorce!" He wore a shamelessly defiant look. "If we split, who's going to deal with all the debts? If I die... the kids will be fatherless!"

"That's fine by me. They'll take the Wilburn name. They don't need a father!" My reply was adamant and final.

His expression froze for a moment, his clenched fists whitening at the knuckles.

"Aaliyah, the only way you're getting out of this marriage is if you give me your shares in VitalAxis Pharmaceuticals," he spat out before turning to storm up the stairs.

"Jaylan, you'd better just sign the divorce papers! It's the only way you're walking away with any freedom. Otherwise... don't blame me for what happens next!" I was unwavering, typing a number into my phone and flashing it at him with a mischievous smirk. "You know what this is. Think about the consequences."

He glanced at the three digits on my phone and froze on the spot. His expression grew darker and more menacing by the second, but I pressed on, seizing my advantage, "This is your one chance at freedom. Sign the papers, or I press this button and turn you in. Your choice."

We stood there, locked in a standoff, sparks of hatred flying between our eyes.

"Aaliyah, you're pushing me too far! If you want a war, you've got one..." With a roar, he lunged at me, his hands reaching out with furious intent.

I rolled off the couch with cool agility, dodging to the other side.

From behind the couch, Larkin leaped into action, pressing his hand against the back of the sofa and vaulting over it. His foot connected squarely with Jaylan's chest, sending him stumbling backward until he landed on the floor with a heavy thud.

Fuming, he glared at Larkin but yelled my name instead. "Aaliyah... you've been hiding a man in our house!"

I rose steadily from behind the sofa, phone still in hand, and said with icy clarity, "Did you honestly think you were pulling off the perfect crime without me having a clue?"