The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 88

88 Chapter 88 A Gift From My Wife

Blanche’s POV

I could see right through Oswald’s scheme.

He’d always been aware of the tension between Zain and me, constantly scheming to patch things up between us.

After that mess with Drew’s mother, Zain’s view of me had gotten even worse.

By forcing me to make this visit, Oswald was manufacturing a chance to smooth things over.

Later, he’d probably tell Zain that I’d gone of my own free will, spinning it as me being considerate and thoughtful.

I knew exactly what my grandfather–in–law was up to.

But I didn’t see the point in trying to repair what Zain and I had.

Soon enough, I’d be stepping aside for Joanna anyway.

The only reason Zain hadn’t put pen to paper on those divorce documents was probably because the timing wasn’t convenient for him

yet.

I paused, considering my options, then shook my head. “Oswald, maybe Zain should handle this visit. The Stewarts won’t exactly roll out

the welcome mat for me. What if I show up and stress out someone who’s supposed to be recovering? I can’t take that risk.”

Oswald wasn’t buying it. “You’re going,” he said firmly.

Realizing I’d lost this battle, I let out a resigned sigh and nodded.

Oswald had the housekeeper pack the prepared gifts into my car, telling me to be careful on the road.

I fastened my seatbelt, gave him a quick nod, and pulled out of the driveway.

When I reached the Stewart estate, Zain’s car in the driveway didn’t surprise me one bit.

He and Drew went way back, after all.

Balancing several gift bags, I made my way inside to find Drew’s mother, Lillian Stewart, comfortable in an oversized armchair. A soft hat

covered her head, a throw blanket across her legs. Zain and Joanna sat on either side of her.

They were deep in conversation and didn’t notice me slip in.

Lillian was clasping Joanna’s hand, her face lighting up with genuine warmth. “Oh, Joanna,” she gushed, “Drew filled me in on everything you did for me, racing around to track down a surgeon. You even swallowed your pride for my sake. I’m beyond grateful. Don’t you worry -from here on out, I’ve got your back. If Zain ever steps out of line, you come straight to me. Drew and I, we’re your family now.”

Joanna’s cheeks flushed pink as she ducked her head. “Mrs. Stewart, Zain and I haven’t made anything official yet.”

Lillian squeezed her hand reassuringly. “That man’s solid as a rock. You can count on him. He’ll do right by you.”

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88 Chapter 88 A Gift From My Wife

Joanna’s blush deepened as she stared down at her hands.

Zain was absorbed in his phone, fingers flying across the screen, completely tuned out from their conversation.

When he finally glanced up, his eyes found me, slightly winded from hauling the gifts inside. I set cach bag down on the coffee table with

deliberate care.

Once I’d finished arranging everything, I straightened up and looked in their direction.

1 brushed off Zain’s questioning stare and focused on Lillian, keeping my voice neutral and polite. “Mrs. Stewart.”

I held my composure, refusing to let my irritation show or create drama in front of someone who was supposed to be resting,

Lillian heard me clearly but didn’t bother acknowledging me, turning back to Joanna instead. “Drew mentioned you’re quite the pianist.

You’ll have to come play for me regularly.”

Joanna’s eyes darted nervously between me and Zain before she answered. “Absolutely, Mrs. Stewart. Whenever you’d like.”

Lillian’s smile stretched wider. “What a sweet girl. Unlike certain people who throw on a white coat and think they’re something special,

but don’t have a clue about proper behavior. They don’t get that one word from the right person could destroy them completely.”

I stood there in the center of the living room, saying nothing. I understood perfectly that Lillian’s barbs were aimed at me, and I knew

she felt comfortable delivering them only because of Zain’s obvious disdain.

If he didn’t respect me, why would any of his circle?

Zain stayed silent, offering no defense, but I’d expected nothing less.

A cold, humorless smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. “Mrs. Stewart, Oswald couldn’t make it himself, so he sent me to check on

your recovery. Since you’re clearly doing well, I’ll head out now. And don’t worry about asking me to stay for dinner–I’ve got people

expecting me at home.”

I started toward the door.

But something made me stop. I spun around, plastering on the sweetest, most artificial smile I could manage. “You know, Mrs. Stewart,

you’re getting up there in years. You really should look after yourself better. Ideally, you’d stay healthy enough to never set foot in a

hospital again.

The insult was razor–thin but unmistakable–a pointed reminder that she was only breathing because a doctor had saved her life.

Content with my parting shot, I turned and walked out.

Lillian’s face drained of color, fury making her hands shake.

Zain quickly poured her a glass of water and began rubbing soothing circles on her back.

Joanna hurried to her other side. “Mrs. Stewart, don’t let someone like that upset you. Your health comes first.”

Just then, Drew Stewart was entering as Blanche was leaving, and they almost crashed into each other.

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88 Chapter 88 A Gift From My Wife

“What the hell are you doing here?” he demanded, suspicion thick in his voice.

Blanche didn’t even look at him, simply brushing past him and disappearing through the door.

Drew stood frozen for a moment, his brow furrowing deeply.

The Blanche he’d been encountering lately felt like a totally different person.

She used to hang on his every word, practically begging for his approval. Now all he got was arctic indifference.

No surprise Zain is fed up with her, he thought with disgust. How could a woman with that kind of attitude ever measure up to someone

like Joanna?

Shaking his head, he headed inside.

The sight of Joanna carefully straightening the hat on his mother’s head sent warmth flooding through his chest.

He rushed over, gently taking over the task. “Joanna, you’ve been incredible these past few days. Let me take care of this.”

Drew had gotten the full story about Joanna’s heroic efforts–reaching out to old classmates and professors, working every connection

she had trying to convince Demetrius Jake.

When that didn’t pan out, she’d even approached Blanche directly.

As far as Drew was concerned, Joanna was the main reason his mother was still alive.

“Drew, we’re friends,” Joanna said with a gentle smile. “It was just the right thing to do.”

In that moment, Drew became absolutely certain that Joanna and Zain belonged together.

Zain already had wealth–he didn’t need a wife from some powerful family. What he needed was a smart, elegant woman at his side.

And Joanna fit that description perfectly.

Drew kept his thoughts to himself, but his mind was made up: he’d move heaven and earth to make Joanna Vins into Mrs. Zain Jacob.

Lillian was clearly on the same page. She kept pushing Zain, “Joanna is an exceptional young woman, exactly the kind of partner you

need. If you care about her, you better make your move.”

Zain simply looked at Lillian and gave her a slight, unreadable smile.

Since Lillian had just had surgery and shouldn’t be sitting in the living room too long, Drew helped her back to her bedroom to rest.

When he came back, he said to Zain and Joanna, “Stay for dinner.”

“Not tonight,” Zain replied. “Maybe another time.”

Drew checked the clock. The day was getting late. “Fair enough, next time then. My treat.”

As Zain walked past the coffee table, he stopped, his gaze settling on the gifts. He looked back at Drew. “These are from my wife,” he said,

his tone steady. “A gift from my grandfather, and from both of us.”

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