The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 162

162 Chapter 162 A Toast To Betrayal

Blanche’s POV 1

I watched Norah’s expression and wondered what she was thinking about. There was something in her eyes that suggested she was

remembering something important–perhaps that evening I’d heard about when she and Vincent were rushing to some fancy dinner.

From what I’d gathered, at a red light, some guy had forced his way into a car, and it looked like a heated argument erupted inside. The

vehicle just sat there, refusing to budge even after the light changed.

When it turned green, Vincent started to pull away but suddenly stopped. He jumped out and chased the intruder off.

Then he leaned down to speak with whoever was behind the wheel.

Norah had been riding shotgun that night.

She couldn’t make out the conversation, but when Vincent climbed back in, his eyes were bloodshot.

Norah couldn’t resist stealing a glance at the driver in the other car.

She’d seen a woman–pretty enough, but nothing that would stop traffic.

Back then, Norah figured Vincent’s red–rimmed eyes came from the scuffle with that creep.

But later that evening, she’d watched him reach for tissues beside her leg, dabbing at his eyes when he thought no one was looking.

It wasn’t until Norah laid eyes on me that the pieces clicked–maybe Vincent hadn’t been roughed up that night.

Maybe he’d actually been crying.

Norah had known Vincent for years, and she’d never witnessed his eyes water for anyone.

But if her hunch was correct, I was the first person to ever affect him like that.

It was crystal clear just how much I meant to Vincent.

As I observed Norah’s contemplative expression, I could sense the tightness in her chest as she processed all this.

Vincent had this reputation as a player, but Norah had grown up with him. She knew better than anyone that wasn’t his true nature.

And for all these years, she’d been the only woman in his orbit–purely platonic, nothing romantic.

Because of that unique connection, Norah had always harbored hopes that someday she’d stand beside Vincent as his wife.

But now, another woman had entered his world.

After Vincent yanked me back, he stretched out his legs, creating a barrier so I couldn’t bolt again.

At the same time, he shot me an irritated look. “What’s got you so spooked? Why are you running from me like I’m some kind of

monster?”

I didn’t respond to him. Instead, I turned toward Norah.

18.39

<

162 Chapter 162 A Toast To Betrayal

Ever since Vincent had pulled me back, I could feel Norah’s gaze burning into me.

I offered her a greeting. “Hi.”

Norah hesitated before responding, “Hi, I’m Norah Tim.”

She smiled, but it felt forced–like she was performing rather than being genuine.

I returned her courtesy with a polite smile. “I’m Blanche Callum.”

Norah kept staring at me, her expression cold and unwelcoming, studying me like she was trying to decode some puzzle.

Vincent draped his arm across the back of my chair, his legs still blocking my escape route.

He glanced at Norah, but before he could speak, she jumped in. “Vincent, want to go toast my dad together now?”

Norah’s father was Wayne.

Vincent didn’t even pause before shutting her down. “Nah. I’ll swing by with my girl later and toast Mr. Tim myself.”

Norah’s disappointment was obvious, but she maintained her smile. “Alright.”

Vincent had always been aware of Norah’s feelings, and he’d made his disinterest crystal clear.

But seeing her like this, he felt compelled to spell it out again. “Norah, at the office, you’re my secretary. But outside work, you’re the Tim

family princess. If you don’t need to be near me, keep some distance–otherwise, my girl might get the wrong idea about us.”

Norah was the Tim heiress. She could’ve lived in luxury if she’d wanted, but for Vincent, she’d lowered herself to work as his secretary.

And she’d been doing it for years.

The last time Vincent brought Norah to an event, someone had asked about her, and he’d deliberately said she was the woman closest to

him every single day.

That kind of response could easily make people assume there was something more between them, but it was just facts.

Norah was his secretary, so naturally they spent their days together.

Vincent’s harsh words stung even me, but for Norah, who’d been the center of attention her whole life, it was devastating.

Norah’s eyes filled with tears. They spilled down her cheeks as she whispered, “Vincent, you’re such a bastard.”

With that, she fled.

Vincent didn’t chase her. Instead, he turned to me, straightened my chair, and forced me to look at him.

He stared directly at me, his tone cutting and direct. “Why were you avoiding me just now?

I met his gaze, taking in his sharp features, but instead of answering, I said, “Speaking to her like that will only hurt Ms. Tim.”

Vincent replied, “If I’m interested in someone else, I need to be straight with her

I hesitated, then looked away. “Vincent, I’m not available. I don’t understand what you want from me…”

18:39

214

<

162 Chapter 162 A Toast To Betrayal

Vincent cut me off, pushing a grape between my lips. “Stop. Don’t say another word.”

I chewed the grape, my mind spinning with confusion.

Eventually, someone announced dinner was ready, and guests began moving toward the main hall.

Wayne had arranged seating for the VIPS, ensuring all the important people had designated spots.

Zain, Vincent, and the others ended up at the same table.

Each table seated ten, and at my table sat Zain, Vincent, Drew, Joanna, Nicholas, Amber, Kingsley, plus Nathan and Noelle.

One seat remained empty, but Wayne left it that way.

The table was loaded with an elaborate feast, every dish imaginable.

None of the nine people at the table, divided into opposing factions, uttered a word.

We ate in complete silence.

Joanna sat between Zain and Nathan, with both men attending to her needs.

She was trapped in the middle, barely touching her utensils.

When the steaks arrived, Drew sliced hers into perfect bite–sized pieces.

Even the people across from her looked out for Joanna, making sure she was completely cared for.

Meanwhile, I found myself sandwiched between Vincent and Kingsley, with both men fussing over me.

Vincent peeled a shrimp for me. “Sweetheart, try this–I peeled it specially for you.”

Kingsley, meeting me for the first time, couldn’t stand watching the guys across the table show off. So he kept checking on my food.

“How’s the soup? If it’s getting cold, I’ll have the waiter bring you a fresh bowl.”

Throughout the meal, Nicholas and Noelle stayed out of the silent competition, just observing from the sidelines.

They might not have participated, but they were definitely monitoring every move.

Across the table, Joanna ate with deliberate grace. Occasionally, she’d steal glances at Vincent, watching how attentively he treated me.

But even then, Joanna couldn’t help thinking, ‘Vincent was totally praising me this morning. He must be into me, right? Maybe he’s only being so sweet to Blanche to make me jealous or something?‘

As dinner wound down, Nathan raised his glass and looked toward Zain and Drew, his tone professional. “Zain, Drew, this toast is for you. Thank you for trusting Vins Group and allowing us to handle your company’s accounts.”

The moment he spoke those words, my head shot up, my eyes locking onto Zain.

Across the table, Zain was looking straight at Nathan, listening carefully.

I thought to myself, ‘He has endless patience for business matters and the people around him, but when it comes to me, after all this time, he’s never once bothered!’

18:39

218

<

162 Chapter 162 A Toast To Betrayal

Remembering that night when Zain promised to let Quinton manage the company’s finances, I only now realized, ‘Was he even being

honest with me back then?‘

‘He clearly stated before that Vins Group’s financial platform wasn’t ready, and he wouldn’t give it to them.’

‘But now, it turns out he did anyway!

‘No matter how it happened–the end result is identical.‘

Joanna watched Nathan raise his glass and followed suit, turning to him with a sweet smile. “Nathan, as long as you do your best, Zain

will always support you.”

Nathan beamed at her. “I really need to thank you, Joanna, for introducing me to such an incredible brother–in–law.”

Joanna blushed, her cheeks turning pink as she shyly ducked her head.

Zain noticed her rosy complexion and gave her an affectionate smile, then turned to Nathan. “I need to thank you too, Nathan, for having

such an amazing sister.”

Comment 0

Leave the first comment for this chapter.

23

Send Gifts

Show support to the author by leaving comments when sending gift.

18:20