11 Chapter 11 The Same Old Trick Zain's POV 1 Late that night , Ophelia Barth waved goodbye to the final guests and sank into the sofa . She grabbed her phone , scrolling through Facebook , when Blanche Callum's nine - photo post caught her eye . The cozy family gathering made Ophelia's blood boil . Today marked Donovan Jacob's birthday , yet Blanche - his daughter - in - law - hadn't bothered coming home . Not even a text . For years , Blanche had slaved in the kitchen , cooking for everyone . This year ? She'd run home to mommy and daddy . Ophelia's anger spiked . Too restless to sit , she marched upstairs , skipping the courtesy knock and barging into my study . She slammed her phone beside me . " Explain this to me ." I glanced at it , my brow creasing . " What's wrong ? " Ophelia planted both hands on my desk , leaning over me . " Your father's birthday was today . She didn't say a word - just disappeared to her parents ' place . She married into this family . Every meal she eats , every piece of clothing she wears - the Jacobs provide it all . Instead of taking care of her in - laws , she runs home to wait on them . Has she completely lost it ? " I had zero interest in family drama . I slid the phone back to her . " You visit your parents all the time too . " In my view , Blanche visiting her family was perfectly normal . Ophelia's fury exploded . " How's that the same thing ? When you two got married , not one Callum showed up . Clear message - they'd written her off . Now they see the Jacob name riding high , so they welcome her back to butter you up . That's the only reason . " My jaw tightened , but I stayed silent through her tirade . " They want something from you . I'm warning you - don't lift a finger to help . They're a bunch of ungrateful leeches . If they need your help , fine - but they better get on their knees and beg twice . Otherwise , forget it . " I had heard enough . I leaned back . " The Callum run a small operation . They've got nothing to ask me for . Ophelia , you can leave ." " Maybe not business . What if they need money ? " My expression darkened , and Ophelia wisely shut her mouth . She stormed out , leaving me unable to focus on work . 15 59 1/4 11 Chapter 11 The Same Old Trick I rubbed my temples , leaning back in my chair . I'd just noticed the caption on Blanche's post - realizing for the first time that today was also her father's birthday . Years married , and I'd never known , Come to think of it , I knew almost nothing about her - not even her college major . One accident led to a night together . She got pregnant . My grandfather insisted I " make it right . " So I married her . This marriage could swing either way . I didn't give a damn . With her or without her , my life stayed exactly the same . Past , present , future - nothing she did or didn't do would ever mean anything to me . Blanche's POV Monday morning , I returned to the small - town school . The moment I stepped into the infirmary , Principal Castro Dixon burst in . " Dr. Callum - thank God you're here ! I've been waiting ." Sweat dotted his forehead , anxiety written across his face . I frowned . " What happened ? Is one of the children hurt ? " I reached for the first - aid kit , but Castro grabbed my arm . " No - it's just , we have a charity event this afternoon . Some big - shot businessman from Oakwood is coming . One of our second - grade teachers just started maternity leave , and we're stretched thin . Could you watch her class ? Just walk the kids to the playground, stay with them during the event , then bring them back ." Relief washed over me . " That's it ? Of course , I'll handle them this afternoon . " In the afternoon , the school gathered for assembly . I led the second - graders to the playground as promised . After lining them up , I positioned myself at the back , waiting for things to begin . Autumn had settled over the small town , the air crisp and pleasant . Wind stirred through the orange leaves , sending them dancing across the ground . Castro announced the event's start , and amid warm applause , a tall figure emerged from behind the academic building . When my view cleared , I recognized him - Zain Jacob . I remembered Castro mentioning a prominent businessman . Zain fit that description perfectly . My heartbeat stayed even , but my gaze lingered on him . Today he'd ditched his usual suit for casual clothes . The relaxed look softened his sharp features - still exactly as I remembered . 15:59 < 11 Chapter 11 The Same Old Trick Zain proved generous - four million for new school buildings , scholarships for struggling students , plus additional cash bonuses . Setting aside our marriage , he was - objectively - a decent man . He treated everyone well . Everyone except me , When the event wrapped up , Zain and his assistant headed toward the academic building . After returning my class to their room , I made my way to the infirmary . Zain's POV In the staff office , I waited for Castro to finish his tasks . Standing by the window , I glanced outside and spotted Blanche walking past- freezing in surprise . Blanche didn't even look my way , continuing as if I didn't exist . Desmond Grey noticed my pause and asked with concern , " Mr. Jacob , is something wrong ? " I tracked her until she vanished into another building . " Desmond , weren't my movements supposed to stay confidential these past few days ? " " Yes , sir . " My brow furrowed . " Then how did Blanche end up here ? " In the early years , she'd pulled stunts like this - digging up my schedule , arranging " accidental " meetings . Eventually , I'd ordered Desmond to keep my itinerary strictly classified . I hadn't expected her to try the same trick again after all this time . Desmond considered this , then suggested , " Could Ms. Callum have ... followed your car ? " My expression hardened , but before I could respond , Castro rushed in . " Mr. Jacob , sorry to keep you waiting . We're short - staffed - had to see the students off safely . " " No problem . Now that you're here , I- " Before I could finish , Castro gripped my hand . " Mr. Jacob , this town has plenty of kids , but families keep moving away and we're barely hanging on . Without you , these children wouldn't have much hope . So - just to show our gratitude - I've arranged a simple country dinner for you here in town . Hope you don't mind humble food . Let us treat you to a proper meal tonight . " I started to decline , but Castro's enthusiasm was overwhelming . The refusal died on my lips as Castro declared , " Then it's settled ." Blanche's POV By evening , I'd been dragged into it too . 16:00 < 11 Chapter 11 The Same Old Trick I tried to excuse myself , but Castro insisted someone " sophisticated " like me should help entertain the guest . Against such determination , I could only agree . Comment 0 Leave the first comment for this chapter 图