Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 466

"Aaliyah, let's meet up, shall we? After all, we were once family!" Jesper asked with a politeness that seemed out of place for the situation.

After a moment of consideration, I agreed to meet him, and then he chose a run-of-the-mill coffee shop for our meeting.

When I arrived, Jesper was already there, rising from his seat with an early smile when he saw me walk in. Yet, beneath that welcoming gesture, I could detect a shadow of something murky in his eyes.

"Aaliyah!" he said, beaming as he approached. "It's been ages!"

"Sure has! Feels like we haven't crossed paths in forever," I replied, returning the smile and making my way to the table, and Hannah was waiting by the door.

"So, what's the big emergency?" I cut to the chase. Honestly, I didn't think there was anything left to say between the Dawsons and me. Pure curiosity had driven me to see him.

"It's not so much an emergency, just... wanted to see you. Especially considering the whole debacle with Medsafe Liyah Inc.," he trailed off, seemingly struggling to find the right words. After a brief pause, he continued, "You founded Medsafe Liyah Inc., Aaliyah, and it crumbled in our hands. We let you down, failed to take it to new heights."

I studied Jesper intently. Despite his motives, his words were a salve to the soul.

I couldn't help but offer a wry smile and a bit of banter, "Looks like you're the first Dawson to speak a fair word. Thanks for that!"

"I had to say it. Aaliyah, you've been a pillar for the Dawsons. Regardless of how they've behaved, without you, I wouldn't be where I am today. Sure, I'm back to square one, but I owe you a debt of gratitude," he said humbly.

"Water under the bridge," I responded coolly. After all, I didn’t know his true intention.

I had witnessed the icy death stare in Jesper's eyes firsthand. Certainly, finding a saint in a family akin to a devil's circle just doesn't add up.

Besides, when he first joined Medsafe Liyah Inc. and snagged the managing director's seat, he never once thanked me during the good times. Now that the company's collapsed, his repentance seems a tad late.

And I could never forget what he said to Jessica, "You can't outplay her!"

That word, 'outplay,' left a bitter taste—how could it not?

"Aaliyah, I know you and Jaylan got divorced. Honestly, it's a damn shame! I hope you won't mind if I still consider you as my family."