Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 570

I clinked my glass against him, catching the twinkle in his eye that told me he was itching to spill the beans.

Sure enough, after taking a swig of his beer, he locked eyes with me and beamed, "Now that the coast is clear, Aaliyah, can you give me the lowdown? I'm looking to make a move."

I swirled the drink in my hand, giving him a silent, probing look before breaking into a chuckle, "Mr. Bradlee, you really put me on the spot here."

Irving flashed me a sly grin, "Come on, Allie, spill the beans. It'll give me some peace of mind."

"It's not really my call, and honestly, I'm as in the dark about Mr. Richardson's intentions as you are," I replied, then teased him with a playfully coy look, "But maybe..."

I trailed off, my mind cautioning me as I watched the amber liquid dance in my glass, "The ball's in your court now."

Quick to change the subject, he remarked, "Heard you sold your house? Shame to let go of such a prime spot."

I was taken aback, cursing inwardly at his well-informed nosiness. The ink on the deal was barely dry, and he already knew. He was definitely keeping tabs on me.

My reaction must have given Irving the impression that he'd struck a chord.

I laughed at myself, "Gotta mark the occasion somehow. A fresh start should look like one, right?"

"Absolutely! You'll need a swanky new pad."

I played along, feigning insight, "You're sharp as ever, Irving. But buying a house is a piece of cake for me."

He bragged with a knowing smirk, "Well, Ms. Wilburn, given that you own the entire Oldtown Avenue, I'd hardly say you're short on properties. But I've got my eye on a real gem."

I could tell he'd been plotting this for a while.

Curiosity piqued, I asked eagerly, "Where?"

Irving's smug look deepened, "I've been scouting for a while, but a lady like you can't be without a proper roost."

"It's been tough. I've seen a few places, but nothing's clicked," I lamented, "So, where's this spot?"

"Golden Peak Town!"

"Is it finished?" I inquired, already familiar with the place. Hannah and I had driven past the new Hilltop Retreats development recently, and it was undeniable.

"It's sectional, and the upper part above Hilltop Retreats is done."

Irving had no choice but to follow as I headed out.

As we walked, I asked about Nettie's plans to stay or go abroad.

Irving answered absently, "It can't say for sure. Kids change their minds every day."

"It'd be nice if she stayed. You'd have an extra pair of hands," I commented casually.

"A girl needs a good partner," Irving replied nonchalantly.

I shot him a look, "Yeah. What a terrible marriage I had."

He realized his gaffe and backpedaled, "No offense, and you're exceptional. You had a rich and powerful family, and who's to underestimate? We're not in the same league."

"I wouldn't sell yourself short, Mr. Bradlee. Nettie's quite a catch. With the right guidance, she could do wonders." I said pointedly.

But Irving didn't bite, steering clear of further discussion.

Janice was right. Irving's fatherly front was all for show. If Nettie chose to stick with the Bradlee family, it seemed like a rough road ahead.