Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 91

My car was barely in the driveway when my mother-in-law, Hazel, rang me, asking why her son's phone was off. I told her the truth that he was out of town for work. Then Hazel promptly hung up.

I couldn't help but smirk. Catherine was proving to be quite the efficient friend.

During dinner, Catherine called again. I put her on hold and retreated to my room to return her call via video chat. Catherine was laughing uproariously as she started, "It's happening! They're at each other's throats."

"That is fast," I admitted, taken aback. I'd anticipated some kind of conflict, but I didn't think it would happen so quickly.

"These two are like oil and water, and they're hitting hard." Catherine continued, barely stifling her laughter. "You just wait, and I've got a video for you."

"A video? How'd you get that?" I was surprised and asked.

"Know thy enemy, know thyself," Catherine replied smugly. "You underestimate Logan and his team. They had someone move into the apartment next to Marissa's. We've got all the intel."

"Impressive," I acknowledged, wondering how much this operation was going to cost me.

Catherine just laughed. "Wait until you see what we've got."

The video chat flickered off and shortly after, a video popped up on my screen. My meddlesome mother-in-law, Hazel, could be seen storming out of an elevator and making a beeline for Marissa's apartment. Her posture was all aggression.

When she reached the door, she didn't hesitate, pounding on it so hard that the noise echoed down the hallway.

A woman's voice from inside the apartment asked, "Who is it?"

Actually, the inquiry was too disingenuous because she could see who it was from the door mirror video inside.

"Open the door!" Hazel ordered.

Marissa was angry for a moment, but she quickly composed herself and put on a brilliant smile. "Mom, why are you saying such hurtful things? Jaylan isn't here. If you have anything to say, you can tell me and I will pass it on to him."

"Since when do I need to pass messages to my son through you? You're overestimating your importance. Even Aaliyah wouldn't dare to talk to me like this. Let me tell you something, Marissa, you're nobody. Who do you think you are, and how dare you block my way? Get away! I'm telling you for the last time."

"Mom..."

"I told you, don't call me Mom!" Hazel was livid, shouting, "Jaylan, Get out."

Her yelling was so loud it drew the attention of the neighbors, one of whom opened their door to take a peek at the commotion.

Marissa was furious. "Mrs. Dawson, what are you doing? I've told you he's not here. You're disturbing the peace. Do you think that's acceptable?"

Marissa's criticism only seemed to fuel Hazel's anger. She shoved Marissa again, causing her to stumble. Like a rampaging lioness, Hazel was going to step inside.