The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 69

Chapter 69 Stay Close To Me

Blanche’s POV 1

Oswald’s fury erupted in front of the entire Jacob family as he tore into Kaden, leaving him humiliated before everyone’s eyes.

Kaden’s young pride couldn’t take it. His face flushed red as he slammed his fork against the table, shot to his feet, and stormed from the

dining hall without uttering a single word.

Ophelia jumped up immediately. “Kaden!”

She called his name while rushing after him.

Oswald’s voice cracked like a whip. “Nobody follows him. Anyone who chases after that boy will be banned from Jacob Manor

permanently.”

Ophelia froze mid–step, then slowly pulled back. She respected Oswald too much, and Donovan valued his father’s judgment too highly,

for her to disobey.

Once Ophelia stayed put, Oswald continued his tirade. “We’ve coddled him beyond reason, made him think he’s untouchable.”

I sat motionless at the table, my food untouched, keeping my mouth shut. Zain and Tia maintained the same tense silence.

Donovan attempted damage control. “Dad, don’t let a kid ruin your mood. It’s your birthday–let’s focus on enjoying dinner.”

Oswald drew a slow breath, wrestling his temper back under control. When he turned to me, his voice gentled considerably.

“Blanche, please eat. Have some more.”

I met his eyes, letting warmth flood my expression. “Thank you, Oswald.”

With Kaden gone, the family resumed their meal.

But now an oppressive quiet settled over us. We ate without speaking, and the tension grew thick enough to cut.

During the meal, I caught Ophelia watching me repeatedly, her stare carrying an unspoken threat about what awaited me later. I couldn’t

care less what she thought. I ignored her completely, not even glancing in her direction.

After we finished the birthday noodles, Oswald dabbed his mouth and addressed Zain and me.

“Blanche, Zain, why don’t you both spend the night? I’ve already had Amiya prepare the upstairs rooms.”

I opened my mouth to decline, but Zain beat me to it. “Grandpa, you should ask Blanche. Let her decide.”

His words sounded affectionate, like we were a devoted couple, but I saw through his real motive immediately. He was dodging a direct rejection of Oswald’s invitation by dumping the choice on me. If I refused, Oswald wouldn’t push.

Something about hearing Zain speak shifted my planned response. “If Oswald wants us to stay, then we’ll stay.”

I looked directly at Zain as I spoke, a subtle smile playing on my lips. Something mysterious flickered in my eyes–unreadable and

intentional.

21.06

<

69 Chapter 69 Stay Close To Me

Zain caught my deliberate game, but instead of irritation, he simply smiled back. “Alright, whatever you say.

His easy compliance delighted Oswald, who beamed with satisfaction. “Perfect, it’s settled then. I need rest, so I’m turning in.” With

arrangements made, Oswald rose with his cane’s support.

Donovan stood as well. “Dad, let me escort you to your room.”

Oswald waved him off. “No need, Blanche can do it.” He turned to me. “Blanche, come help me.”

I hurried to his side to support him, and we left the dining room together.

Once we reached Oswald’s room, I helped him settle down. Just as I prepared to leave, he suddenly asked, “Blanche, be straight with me.

Has Zain been mistreating you?”

His concern touched me, but I didn’t see any point in creating drama. I’d already decided to divorce Zain, and whether he’d treated me

well seemed irrelevant now. So I said, “Oswald, Zain hasn’t mistreated me.”

Oswald clearly wasn’t buying it. “Don’t try to fool an old man. I’ve lived long enough to spot trouble.”

No matter how much he probed, I stuck to my story. “Oswald, Zain treats me well. He really hasn’t mistreated me.”

Oswald couldn’t tell if I was being honest or just putting on a brave front, but his sympathy for me was genuine. He decided not to push

further. He patted my head gently. “You’ve endured so much.”

I smiled and shook my head. “Oswald, I’m truly fine.”

Realizing he wouldn’t get the truth from me, Oswald let it go.

After leaving Oswald’s room, I found Zain waiting by the door. He held an unlit cigarette, leaning against the railing with his brow

creased in frustration.

When he spotted me, he straightened. “Come outside with me.” His voice was ice–cold, completely devoid of warmth.

I wondered if he was picking a fight, especially since I’d been the one to agree to Oswald’s overnight invitation. I knew Zain didn’t want

to share a room with me.

Zain didn’t give me a chance to ask questions. He simply turned and walked out of the hall, leaving me no choice but to follow.

Once we stepped outside Jacob Manor, my expression hardened, my voice turning guarded. “Zain, whatever you need to say, say it here.”

Zain stopped and faced me as I continued following. When we got closer, my head accidentally bumped his chest, I felt the firm,

masculine contours of his body, and heat flooded my cheeks instantly.

Zain looked down at me. “Kaden’s missing. I’ve been calling him, but he won’t pick up.”

That was strange–Kaden usually answered when Zain called, even when he was upset.

I finally understood. Zain was worried about Kaden. But I stayed composed and replied, “He’s a grown man. He’s accountable for his

actions. If he can’t handle some criticism, then he’s not as mentally tough as he should be.”

Seeing my cold response, Zain’s tone sharpened. “If something happens to him tonight, can you live with that responsibility?”

212

<

69 Chapter 69 Stay Close To Me

I went quiet, replaying the evening’s events. If I’d made an error, it was getting worked up over an adult’s tantrum. But I didn’t really

believe I’d done anything wrong,

Right now, though, debating blame was pointless. Finding Kaden was what mattered.

I didn’t want to get involved, but this concerned someone’s safety. So I asked Zain, “Can Desmond track down where Kaden went?”

Zain shook his head. “I already had Desmond try, but he’s come up empty so far.”

I sighed, feeling helpless. “So where does he usually go?”

Zain considered this briefly before saying, “Get in the car.

The car sat parked roadside. Zain opened the passenger door and gestured for me to get in. Without overthinking it, I climbed inside.

The car shot straight toward downtown Oakwood, stopping outside one of the city’s hottest bars.

Zain was on edge, obviously concerned for Kaden’s safety. He rushed ahead, but noticing I’d fallen behind, he spun back and grabbed my

arm. “Stay close to me!”

Comment

Leave the first comment for this chapter.

图

Send Gifts

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