Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

Chapter 353

I hurriedly rose to make room for her at the table, and she didn't hesitate, washing her hands and

sliding into the seat with an air of familiarity.

Dad beamed at her, his warm gaze a reflection of the familial comfort. "You girls coming back home

together is such a rare sight these days. Lord knows, I could count your visits on one hand over the last

few years."

Catherine, ever the one to stir the pot, quipped, "Well, if it wasn't for Allie's mysterious ailments keeping

her off the grid, how could I possibly make plans to return with her?"

Her words seemed to strike a nerve, as Jaylan’s face twitched, his expression souring.

But Catherine paid his grimace no mind, continuing unabashedly, "I only found out last night that Allie

was coming back to Silverdale City today, so I shifted my work schedule around just to make it for

dinner. And it's not just for the pleasure of your company—there's some business to attend to!"

"Have you made it home yet?" Dad inquired, a touch of concern in his voice. "Your father doesn't even

know you're back, does he?"

"I was just too eager to get a bite of this feast! Besides," she turned to Dad with a mischievous glint in

her eye, "Galen, I'm here to cozy up to you, after all!"

Without waiting for an invitation, Catherine grabbed a fork and dove into the meal before her, savoring

a mouthful of Mom's cooking with sheer delight. She complimented with gusto, "My queen, no one

cooks like you. I haven't had a meal this delicious in ages. Truth be told, the moment I heard Allie was

coming back, I knew I had to be here to snag a seat at this table. Perfect timing!"

Jaylan looked on with thinly veiled disdain.

Mom simply responded with a kind smile, heaping more food onto Catherine’s plate. "Then eat up,

dear! Help yourself to as much as you like."

Catherine indulged heartily, praising the food with no care for decorum, while Jaylan's contempt grew

ever clearer.

Clearly, Catherine had stolen his spotlight.

"Galen, about the business matter I mentioned. It involves you," Catherine said between bites.

"Oh? Your work... How can I assist?" Dad asked, curiosity piqued.

"The company's got a big promotional project in the works, a tribute piece following the ambassador's

international tour."

Catherine was serious despite the casual setting. "They've shortlisted a few themes, and we're looking

to spotlight our cultural heritage. I pitched our centennial Oldtown Avenue, and it caught their attention.

The team did some scouting there, including our town."

"And no one thought to contact me?" Dad asked, a hint of urgency in his voice.

"It was all undercover, just some preliminary shots," she explained, then added, seeing Dad's concern,

"Don't worry, I had our Oldtown Avenue's back. I touted its uniqueness and historical richness. It's still

uncommercialized and pristine. And they've decided it's perfect. So I'm here to discuss it with you first."

Dad was intrigued. "Well, this is marvelous! It's like you've read my mind! I've been wanting to produce Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

a documentary on this and even applied for approval from the cultural and tourism department. I never

imagined we'd converge on the same idea!"

Catherine beamed with pride. "Exactly. I've got to do what I can for Oldtown Avenue's growth. After all,

one day I'll be a stakeholder in this street too. Wouldn't make sense not to push for our own benefit,

right?"

The room filled with her triumphant laughter.

Dad was teeming with joy. "Catherine, this isn't just any contribution—it's a godsend! I've got so many

ideas. Let’s talk after dinner!"

Dad conceded with a chuckle, "Right, right, you are absolutely correct, my dear. Let's eat, and then we

can chat. You're welcome to stay over, Catherine."

I rolled my eyes and said, "Dad, she lives next door!"

After the meal, Dad eagerly pulled Catherine aside to discuss the plans, and of course, Jaylan wasn’t

about to miss out on the opportunity, sticking close as they headed to the study. Read at

NovelDrama.Org

I knew what he was up to. He was sizing up the proverbial bread that might come from such a

promotion.

I snorted. No matter how grand the profit, it had nothing to do with him.

Whether it was Silverdale City or Goldenvale Town, the spoils would be unattainable Jaylan. He might

salivate over it, but he would never get a taste.