Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 532

I leaned over and gave her a nudge, "And then, swing by Aroma Embrace Coffee to catch up with me!"

Hannah glanced over her shoulder at the retreating figure and said with a hint of concern, "Just be careful out there, okay?"

With that, she hurried off to follow the silhouette.

I checked my watch, realizing there was no time to waste, and made a beeline to the corner where my ride was already waiting. Without hesitation, I hopped in and we sped off toward Aroma Embrace Coffee.

We were a tad early, but Nettie was already there, poised and waiting. As I approached, she stood, her demeanor gracious, and offered a smile and a nod, "Ms. Wilburn!"

Honestly, it was the first time I'd seen her crack a smile, which caught me off-guard.

But I kept my cool, returning the gesture with a slight grin, "Apologies for the wait!"

Once I took my seat, she sat back down, "Not at all, I just got here myself. What can I get you, Ms. Wilburn?"

I pondered for a moment, "A cup of Blue Mountain coffee would be okay!"

She signaled for the waiter and ordered my Blue Mountain, but her expression was tough to read.

I decided to cut to the chase, "So, Ms. Bradlee, what's this all about?"

She seemed taken aback by my directness, surprised that I'd zeroed in on the matter at hand without any preamble.

I just wanted to get straight to the point and spare myself from beating around the bush.

Whatever her agenda was, it was likely above her pay grade, just as Hannah had suggested. She might not even be clued into the core details!

After a brief silence, she looked up, "I just wanted to know if there's any chance for a collaboration with Elixir Pharma Limited. Are they in the running for a partnership with VitalAxis Pharmaceuticals?"

Her question was unexpected. What kind of a question was that? It seemed the girl was in over her head.

This wasn't the dance of negotiation. She seemed to play a different game with me.

Noting my silent but intent scrutiny, she grew nervous, "Oh... maybe I'm being presumptuous! It's just a personal query, not representing Irving."

She was backpedaling.

I shot back without missing a beat, "And does your father know you're asking me this?"

Her response was decisive, "No, he doesn't."

"And does he know you're meeting with me?" I probed further.

"No, he's unexpectedly gone back to Goldenvale Town. That's why I took the chance to come and speak with you."

Something clicked in my mind. What did she mean?