The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 5

51 Chapter 51 The Price of Defiance

51 Chapter 51 The Price of Defiance

Blanche’s POV 1

Ilocked eyes with Drew, keeping my expression completely open. “Then explain it to me. What’s the difference?”

Drew fumbled for words, choosing silence instead.

But I wasn’t about to let him off the hook. “When he grins at Joanna and parades her around, introducing her to everyone, did you ever stop to think that Zain is my husband?”

Drew’s discomfort grew more obvious. “You’re just spinning this whole thing.”

I released a harsh laugh. “Really? Now that you’re on the receiving end, you’re singing a different song?”

Right then, Zain, who’d been lurking by the door absorbing everything, finally spoke up. “That’s enough.”

Drew caught his voice and, wearing a sour expression, reluctantly backed away a few steps.

I whipped around to face Zain. His expression was stone–cold, revealing absolutely nothing, but he began moving toward us with measured, purposeful steps.

Just like earlier, I positioned myself in front of Demetrius, creating a barrier. I challenged him, “What exactly are you planning to do,

Zain?”

Zain remained silent; he simply continued his approach, one deliberate step after another. His presence was suffocating, quietly

commanding and intimidating everyone present.

Demetrius stretched out his hand to grasp mine, preparing to pull me behind him, when a deep, sardonic laugh suddenly rang out from

the entrance. “Well, well, I was curious who it might be. Took another look, and what do you know, it’s Joanna’s boyfriend.”

Vincent’s voice carried from the doorway, his tone shifting with each word, putting even seasoned performers to shame.

Zain halted mid–stride and pivoted around.

Drew, losing control of his temper, barked at Vincent, “Keep your mouth shut, will you? Nobody’s confusing you for someone who can’t

speak.”

Vincent slouched against the doorframe, arms folded, radiating arrogance and nonchalance. He didn’t even acknowledge Drew, but his

gaze swept across the floor as if he was trying to locate where the sound originated.

After a moment, he cupped his hand around his ear, pretending to strain for the noise. “Where’s that mutt yapping from? I can hear it

crystal clear, but where’s the actual animal?”

Drew’s face burned red with rage. He marched toward Vincent. “Vincent, what kind of game are you running?

Vincent dropped his arms and slowly stood upright, approaching Drew without any trace of hesitation. The amusement in his expression

vanished instantly, replaced by a frigid, threatening stare. “What’s wrong? Having problems with that?”

Drew was clearly having problems with it, but before he could react, Zain intervened, “Drew, stop.”

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Hearing that command, Drew retreated a step and grumbled, “Vincent, don’t push your luck.”

Vincent cocked an eyebrow, grinning. “Yeah, I am. What are you going to do about it?”

Drew stayed quiet. He simply walked out of the room.

Zain shifted his attention back to me. “Are you coming back with me or not?”

I didn’t really understand what he was driving at, but I shot back, “Zain, I’m not some pet you can just command whenever the mood

strikes you.”

I meant every single word. Whatever emotions I’d harbored for him had died completely.

Zain’s tone grew icy. “Then don’t expect me to show any mercy to the Callum Family.”

After delivering that warning, he marched out without a backward glance.

As he walked past Vincent, Zain gave him a meaningful look. In that wordless exchange, it was clear they’d already clashed more times

than anyone could track.

I could hear Drew’s voice from outside, somewhat confused. “Zain, you’re just walking away like this?” Zain’s response was brief and curt,

though I couldn’t make out his exact words.

Back in the room, I nearly burst out laughing; I couldn’t help but find the whole situation somewhat absurd.

Why should I abandon everything and trek out to this remote location just because Zain demands it? And why should I return just

because he expects it?

After Zain and Drew departed, the room finally settled down. I finally loosened up, my muscles no longer rigid.

Demetrius noticed and moved to steady me, asking, “You alright?”

“I’m fine,” I replied.

Vincent was still positioned by the door, but rather than looking at me, he was studying Demetrius, like he was evaluating competition.

I glanced up at Vincent and said, “Thanks.”

Vincent finally directed his attention to me, a mischievous spark in his eyes and a playful, rebellious tone. “Just thanks? Not even a little

demonstration to back it up?”

Demetrius couldn’t tolerate Vincent’s cocky behavior, so he looked over and said, “Mr. Aaray, I could’ve managed it myself.”

Vincent drawled, “Oh? Are you suggesting I interfered where I wasn’t wanted?”

Demetrius just smiled, shrugging it off. “Wouldn’t think of it.”

Vincent lowered his gaze, then looked back at me. “So this is the guy you wanted me to rescue?”

I didn’t want to listen to Vincent and Demetrius bicker, so I said to Vincent, “It’s late, Mr. Aarav. You should go get some rest.”

Vincent responded, smooth as silk, “Alright.”

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51 Chapter 51 The Price of Defiance

Then he glanced at Demetrius again, noticing Demetrius showed no signs of departing. Irritated, he said, “What’s the deal, man? Can’t you read the room? My girl’s telling you to beat it. Do you understand or not?”

Demetrius ignored whatever Vincent had to say. He just looked at me.

I glanced at him and said, “Demetrius, you should go get some rest, too.”

Demetrius was concerned about me. “What if they return?”

I smiled, “I know Zain. Once he leaves, he won’t come back.”

Demetrius had no alternative. If I didn’t want him to stay, he couldn’t just linger around. Plus, a man and woman alone together–people

might gossip. It just seemed inappropriate.

Eventually, Vincent and Demetrius left together.

I sat on the couch for what felt like hours, just staring blankly, unable to dispel the anxious feeling in my chest.

I knew Zain wasn’t someone who made hollow threats. If he said he’d do something, he’d follow through. From the glimpse I’d caught of

his conversation with Drew outside, Zain had seemed unusually composed–almost resigned. That worried me more than if he’d been

openly furious. When Zain went quiet like that, it usually meant he was already formulating his next move.

After all the chaos, Fisher, the dean, contacted me early the following morning. “Blanche, you can return to work,” he said.

I was still at the rural hospital, treating patients, when I received the call. I felt pretty detached about it.

I briefly wondered who had forced me out initially, and who was bringing me back now.

But I stopped myself before I could inquire. It didn’t really matter at this point.

I had too much work to complete, so I didn’t return to Oakwood that day.

That evening, Camila called me.

We were just discussing routine things until Isabela entered to inform Camila it was time for her bath.

That’s when I asked, “Camila, where’s your mom?”

Camila frowned, looking troubled. “Mom received a call during dinner. It sounded like her endorsement was suddenly canceled. She

didn’t even finish her meal before she rushed out.”

I felt my stomach tighten. “And what about your dad?”

Camila replied, “Dad hasn’t been home all day.”

My mind flashed back to what Zain had threatened, and I felt a surge of dread wash over me.

Amber and Quinton were both complete pushovers when it came to their daughters. Even if they had to work overtime, at least one of

them would always be there for Camila.

But tonight, neither of them was home. Something was seriously wrong.

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51 Chapter 51 The Price of Defiance

“Aunt Blanche, I’m going to go take a bath. I’ll call you tomorrow,” Camila said.

I mumbled a few worried words, then ended the call.

I looked at my partially packed suitcase and realized I couldn’t delay any longer. Zain had made good on his threat, just as I’d known he would. I could almost picture him in that car with Drew, probably speaking in that monotone voice of his about what was “best for Carry,” while systematically dismantling my family’s livelihood.

So I contacted Demetrius and raced back to Oakwood that very night.

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