12 Chapter 12 The Art Of Indifference Blanche's POV 1 The dinner was small - maybe seven or eight people , all from the school's administration . A student injury had delayed me , so I arrived last . The waiter opened the private dining room door , and every face turned my way . I swept my gaze across the table and froze . Zain Jacob sat there with Desmond Grey . Castro hadn't mentioned this was a thank - you dinner for the donation . I hadn't asked either - just said yes . Zain belonged in Ronnie - starred restaurants and luxury hotels . " I scanned the available seats and chose the one farthest from Zain . His jaw tightened when he noticed . Zain's POV Desmond was staring like he'd seen a ghost . Zain knew why - for years , Blanche had practically thrown herself at any chance to be near him . When had she ever voluntarily put distance between them ? What the hell was happening ? This wasn't the Blanche he knew . He shot Desmond another look , and the man finally sat . Castro raised his glass to Zain first . Zain sipped politely - nothing more . All attention centered on him while Blanche ate quietly , barely acknowledging the table's toasts . When glasses clinked directly between them , she kept her eyes fixed on her plate . During Castro's final round , he stopped at Blanche . " Dr. Callum , I can't thank you enough for what you've done for our children . Since you arrived , every health issue we could see has been addressed . You've treated them like your own . This toast is for you - for all the dedicated work you've done here ." 16.00 14 12 Chapter 12 The Art Of Indifference She'd been here for a while already ? So she hadn't followed his car here after all . He studied her - simple clothes , minimal makeup , yet still stunning . Those years as a full - time mother had drained some color from her face , but now ... there was something new . An allure he couldn't quite define . She set down her glass without a glance in his direction . Like he was invisible . Then a peeled shrimp appeared in her bowl . She looked up at Foster Bobby . After her time at the school , she'd gotten to know most teachers . Foster was the quiet , gentlemanly type with clear , honest eyes when he smiled . " Thank you , Mr. Bobby ," she said . Castro's curiosity got the better of him . " Dr. Callum , are you married ? " " Yes . I have a daughter ." Zain watched Foster peel shrimp for her . Watched her smile at another man . Something twisted in his chest - he couldn't name the feeling , only that it made him lose focus . When he tuned back in , she was saying she was married with a daughter . Relief hit him , sharp and unwelcome . He saw the light die in Foster's eyes instantly . Then she added , " But I'm about to get divorced ." I didn't hear that part , however ; my phone started ringing with a video call . He answered without stepping away , glancing at Foster again . The man's eyes had brightened again . What had she said ? " Daddy , where are you ? " A sweet voice piped through the phone . His expression softened automatically . " Daddy's in a small town . I'll be back tomorrow . Miss Joanna will stay with you tonight . You can sleep with her . " His eyes drifted to Blanche reflexively - she was chatting with the man beside her , a faint smile playing on her lips . " Okay , Daddy , " Carry chirped . Without thinking , Zain said , " Mommy's here too . Want to say something to her ? " Every head at the table turned . There were multiple women present - who exactly did he mean ? " No. I'm still mad at her . If she doesn't apologize , I won't forgive her ," Carry pouted . Her little voice carried clearly in the quiet room . Blanche's POV 16:00 < 12 Chapter 12 The Art Of Indifference I heard my daughter's words while adding Foster on social media , but didn't look up . As far as I was concerned , the conversation was just background noise . What exactly had I done that needed forgiveness ? Zain's gaze burned into me , but I kept eating , completely indifferent to his call . Once , I'd been the one more attached to Carry . Now I must seem like a different person entirely . During my work assignment in the neighboring province , I'd video - called her almost daily . Now ? I didn't even ask about her . " Daddy , Miss Joanna's here ! I'm gonna build blocks with her . When you finish work , make sure you rest , okay ? " The call ended . Castro , still processing the conversation , grew curious . The child's mother was here ? Who could it be ? Several women sat at the table - some were married to others , and the only possibility , me , was sitting as far from Zain as physically possible . If Zain didn't mind people knowing about his daughter , why hide a wife ? Maybe Castro had misheard . When he refilled Zain's glass , he smiled . " So Mr. Jacob is married . " " Mm . I have a lovely daughter , " Zain replied coolly . Castro's grin widened . " She's such a sweetheart . Seems close to her nanny at home too . " " Nanny ? " Zain frowned . " Miss Joanna ? " Castro's expression was perfectly innocent . He had no clue who " Miss Joanna " really was . Zain didn't correct him , but I could see his desire to leave . He pushed back his chair , tone flat . " I'm full . Enjoy the rest ." He grabbed his suit jacket and headed for the door without looking back . But he stopped beside me - I wasn't sure why . " Not leaving ? " I couldn't tell if he meant me . Once , I would have jumped up to follow him without question . Now ? I knew Zain couldn't care less where I went . So he definitely wasn't talking to me . After a beat of silence , he said louder , " Desmond . " Desmond shot up . " Coming ." My lips curved slightly . 16.00 12 Chapter 12 The Art Of Indifference See ? Not me after all . People really shouldn't get ahead of themselves . Comment 0 Leave the first comment for this chapter Send Gifts