The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 35

35 Chapter 35 A Punishment by Proxy

Blanche’s POV 1

Zain was furious. Before, I would have panicked, thinking it was the end of everything.

Now? I couldn’t care less.

So what if he’s pissed off? I thought, almost smirking.

The madder Zain got, the steadier I became.

“I used to be confused about priorities, but not anymore,” I said, my voice level.

Worried he’d misunderstand, I clarified, “That’s why I’m returning home to look after my family.”

I could sense Zain’s grip on the phone tightening. Though streetlight bathed his face in warm light through the window, I imagined it

couldn’t ease the storm brewing in his expression.

I could tell from his ragged breathing that rage was consuming him, but I felt nothing. Casually, I said, “Anything else? I’m hanging up.”

Zain’s voice came out as a low, dangerous growl. “Blanche, do you have any idea what you’re saying?”

“Crystal clear,” I shot back.

Before he could respond, I ended the call.

Zain’s POV

I stared at the dead screen, fury burning through my chest.

With Carry right beside me, I forced myself to keep it together.

“Dad, did Mom hang up on you?” Carry asked, tears pooling in her eyes, looking utterly broken.

“Yes,” I said.

Carry’s gaze dropped. “Mom doesn’t want me anymore.”

I wrapped her in my arms. “That’s not true, sweetheart. Your mom adores you. That’ll never change, understand?”

But remembering Blanche’s good qualities only made Carry more terrified.

What she had said that day must have cut Blanche deep, Carry thought.

She had told her to leave… How could that not hurt her?

But Dad’s right. She was her daughter. Blanche wouldn’t abandon her!

I had no clue what was driving Blanche’s behavior, but I wouldn’t let my daughter suffer. I’d straighten things out with Blanche soon.

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35 Chapter 35 A Punishment by Proxy

Despite her claims about not wanting another baby, I still believed she wouldn’t defy my family’s expectations.

Blanche’s POV

The next morning, I walked into my office just as a group of nurses were whispering among themselves.

“Did you hear? That new doctor got the boot,” one said.

“Really? The guy’s a legend. Hasn’t he only been here a few days?” another asked.

“Must’ve crossed the wrong person. Word is the director canned him personally,” someone added.

“Impossible. A few days and already fired? Guy must have a massive ego. Though he didn’t seem the type,” a fourth nurse said.

The first one snorted. “Who knows what goes on behind closed doors?”

“True. With his credentials, we’re lucky he even considered our hospital. Only he could handle those complex brain surgeries. He’s a

medical genius. You’d think they’d roll out the red carpet. A few days and gone? Something’s definitely up.”

I frowned as I passed them. They had to be talking about Demetrius.

But Demetrius’s not the troublemaking type. What the hell happened? I wondered.

After slipping into my lab coat, I ducked into the stairwell and dialed Demetrius.

He answered immediately, voice drowsy. “Blanche, what’s going on?”

“Demetrius, you…” I started, then hesitated.

Demetrius caught my uncertainty and laughed. “Want to know why I got fired?”

“Yes.”

Demetrius sounded like he was eating something. “It’s nothing serious. Don’t stress about it.”

I wasn’t convinced. “But-”

In medicine, scandal travels fast. If he’d been terminated for legitimate reasons, word would spread, and old enemies would circle like

vultures.

Demetrius understood my concern but seemed unbothered. He chuckled. “Chill. They’ll be crawling back, begging me to return. Just

watch.”

Despite Demetrius’s confidence, unease twisted in my stomach. “What really went down? There has to be more to it.”

Demetrius didn’t elaborate. “Stop worrying about me. I told you I’m fine.”

His relaxed tone finally calmed me down.

“You’re right. You’re Demetrius. Half those brain surgeries are impossible without you. Their loss,” I said.

“Exactly. Think of it as a paid vacation,” Demetrius joked.

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35 Chapter 35 A Punishment by Proxy

That made me feel better. We talked a bit more before hanging up.

Instead of returning to my office, I lingered in the stairwell.

Demetrius’s sudden firing has to have a reason. I just don’t know what, and maybe he doesn’t either.

I was about to leave when voices floated up from the floor below.

“Mr. Stewart, I did what you asked and terminated Demetrius. I hope this achieves what you wanted.”

I recognized that voice instantly. Fisher Dwayne, our hospital director.

Then came another familiar voice. “Good work.”

Drew’s voice.

Fisher sounded uncomfortable, almost guilty. “But Mr. Stewart, Demetrius’s incredibly talented. Hospitals would fight for him. Landing

him was a miracle. I still don’t get why we had to let him go.”

Drew didn’t bother with explanations. “The world’s full of geniuses. We’ll find someone better. This was Zain’s call.”

At Zain’s name, Fisher backed down immediately. “If it’s Mr. Jacob’s decision, then I support it.”

Drew continued, “Don’t worry. With Stewart Group and Jacob Group supporting you, this hospital’s future is golden. Being Oakwood’s

top hospital is inevitable.”

Fisher threw in some grateful comments about Drew’s continued support, then they both left.

I pressed against the wall, my back soaked with sweat. I’d considered many possibilities, but never that Zain was behind Demetrius’s

firing.

If Zain orchestrated this, everything suddenly clicked into place.

But I still couldn’t figure out why Zain would target Demetrius.

Just as I was connecting the dots, my phone rang–Demetrius calling back.

I answered quickly. “Professor Reese just contacted me. He wants your information,” Demetrius said.

My blood froze. “I…”

Before I could finish, Demetrius interrupted. “Professor Reese recognizes talent. I think you know what he’s offering. If Joanna can be his

student, you’re even more qualified.”

Demetrius meant well, but I caught something else entirely. “Wait, Joanna is Professor Reese’s student?”

“Yeah,” Demetrius confirmed.

Everything clicked. “I understand.”

Demetrius sounded confused. “Understand what?”

I wasn’t completely certain, but my theory felt solid. Still, I kept my thoughts to myself.

35 Chapter 35 A Punishment by Proxy

“I mean, I’ll consider the academic opportunity. Thanks,” I replied.

“That’s fantastic news. Professor Reese will be ecstatic. Blanche, remember, you’ve always deserved the best,” Demetrius said warmly.

After more small talk, I hung up.

Gripping my phone, I thought, Zain must be going after Demetrius because of what happened in Professor Reese’s class.

During that discussion, Demetrius completely ignored Joanna and only engaged with me.

Most people wouldn’t think twice about it, but Joanna is his precious darling. No way Zain could stand watching his beloved girl get

dismissed like that.

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