The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 209

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Lillian caught the serious expression on Joanna’s face and braced herself for a scolding, but her daughter surprised her with something completely different. »

Lillian’s giggles bubbled up louder. She leaned closer and murmured, “Truth is, I got in a few sneaky pinches when she wasn’t paying attention.”

Joanna laughed and gave Lillian a gentle shove. “Mom, you’re such a schemer.”

Lillian squeezed Joanna’s hand, her tone turning

tender with worry. “Must be hard, forcing those smiles when she makes your skin crawl.”

Joanna flashed a grin. “Fake pleasantries for status and influence? That’s a bargain I can live with.”

Lillian gave a knowing nod. “When you frame it like that, it makes perfect sense.”

Both women dropped their masks, speaking freely without any pretense.

Then, without warning, a silhouette filled the kitchen

entrance.

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Joanna was about to suggest Lillian amp up the pinching when a familiar voice cut through first.

**Zain’s POV**

“What’s all the whispering about? You two look like you’re scheming something.”

I leaned against the kitchen doorframe, arms crossed, completely relaxed, with a hint of amusement dancing

in my eyes.

Joanna’s face flushed red, looking like she’d been caught red–handed. But she pulled herself together and said, “Zain, perfect timing. We were discussing Carry’s weekend event—trying to decide who should accompany her.”

The school had organized a fall outing, though it felt more like winter already.

Since it was just a kindergarten activity, I didn’t overthink it.

After a moment’s consideration, I told Joanna, “If your schedule’s clear this weekend, you should go. If not, I’ll ask her mother to take her instead.”

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Following a brief pause, Joanna responded, “It’s okay, Zain–I’ll handle it.”

I shrugged. “Only if you’re not exhausted. If you’re beat, just skip it.”

Joanna approached me, stopping right in front. “I’ll go in her place. Carry will be thrilled.”

I nodded. “Good point.”

Joanna smiled. “Let me go upstairs and get changed.”

I replied, “Sure, I’ll wait downstairs. Then we’ll visit Professor Reese together.”

Joanna agreed and headed up.

Soon enough, she returned ready to go.

I drove while we made our way to the campus.

The moment Aiden wrapped up his morning lecture, I caught him outside the classroom. “Professor Reese, you got a second?”

When Aiden spotted Joanna beside me, he instantly knew what this was about.

Joanna’s research had hit the halfway mark, but her results were completely wrong.

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The news had made rounds throughout the university.

Aiden was definitely in the loop.

From his expression, I could tell he’d already written off Joanna’s chances–the resignation in his eyes suggested he’d been expecting this conversation for some time.

Sensing bad news ahead, Aiden responded coolly, “What do you need?”

With crowds everywhere, I wasn’t about to create a scene. I gave Aiden a meaningful look and said, “Let’s find a private spot to chat.”

Aiden read my serious intent immediately and agreed.

We settled on a restaurant where I secured a private dining room.

After placing our orders, Aiden lost his patience. “Mr. Jacob, let’s skip the pleasantries. What’s this really about?”

I instinctively reached for my cigarettes, ready to light up, but seeing Joanna present, I quietly tucked the pack away.

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Meeting Aiden’s gaze, I cut straight to business. “Professor Reese, let’s be direct. If you don’t ensure Joanna gets her PhD, the Jacob Group’s annual medical school funding might suddenly disappear.”

I made no attempt to soften the threat–it hung there, crystal clear.

Aiden released an incredulous laugh. “Zain, you can’t be serious. Are you actually planning to challenge the government?”

Sure, the medical school relied heavily on my financial backing, but without official support, it never would’ve lasted this long.

The notion of me threatening to withdraw funding to force Joanna’s graduation? It seemed absolutely

absurd.

Aiden never expected such boldness from me.

Even as I spelled out my threats, Aiden struggled to believe I meant it.

Seeing his disbelief, I stood and pressed harder. “Professor Reese, I’m completely serious. You don’t need to take my word–just watch. The med school’s survival now rests entirely in your hands.”

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With that, I walked out, Joanna trailing behind.

Aiden sat alone in the private room for several minutes, completely stunned by what had just transpired.

Shortly after, Aiden’s phone rang. He answered, hearing a man say, “Professor Reese, looks like the research equipment won’t be delivered after all.”

Aiden sounded puzzled and pressed, “What’s the

reason?”

The caller seemed defeated. “Orders from higher up. Nothing we can do.”

The line went dead.

Still seated in that cold private room, Aiden finally dialed my number.

I answered immediately, sounding quite satisfied.

“Professor Reese, so, reached a decision?”

Aiden exploded, his voice crackling with fury. “Zain, this is an educational institution–not your personal playground for power games!”

I didn’t hesitate. “Just get Demetrius to design a

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workable research proposal for me. Joanna will manage the experiments and dissertation herself.”

Aiden laughed bitterly, his voice dripping with disdain. “All these underhanded tactics for a woman? Zain,

you’re more pitiful than I ever imagined.”

I stayed silent, refusing to give him any satisfaction.

Since I remained quiet, Aiden pressed on, “Joanna simply isn’t suited for this. You can pull strings to boost her up, but the higher she rises, the harder her

fall will be.”

With that, Aiden ended the call.

He understood I’d completely outmaneuvered him.

**Blanche’s POV**

Later that afternoon, just as I was finishing work, Demetrius appeared.

“Feel like grabbing dinner?” he asked.

I hesitated briefly, then replied, “Sure.”

The last time Zain told me to leave the Callum

Mansion and return to the villa, I’d promised

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Demetrius I’d buy him a meal sometime.

Since I was free today, I agreed.

At the restaurant, Demetrius offered me the menu, but I pushed it back with a smile. “Demetrius, I’m paying tonight, so you should choose the food.”

Demetrius simply smiled without responding and accepted the menu.

After we’d placed our order, I glanced up to signal the waiter–only to see the entrance curtain part as a man and woman entered the restaurant.

The man was Vincent–tall, striking, with unmistakably gentle eyes.

Beside him walked a woman in a flowing white dress, a caramel coat elegantly draped across her shoulders.

Her makeup was flawless, and Vincent held her close, his arm curved around her shoulders.

Their entrance together immediately captured multiple stares.

I recognized exactly who that woman was-—I’d seen her on television countless times.

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If my guess was correct, she was a famous actress, a genuine A–list celebrity everyone was talking about recently.

Typical Vincent, switching girlfriends like he changed clothes.

Beautiful women constantly surrounded him.

And me? What do I amount to compared to any of

them?

I thought with a cynical laugh.

210 Chapter 210 A Vicious Crack