Chapter 67
They sat down across from each other, the coffee table between them.
“Laney, take your child and divorce him.” Fernando’s tone left no room for argument.
Blanche felt a wave of discomfort at his words. Clearly, Fernando had seen everything that had happened earlier, and he was perceptive enough to see through her.
“Let’s talk about you, Ben,” Blanche said, determined not to drag Fernando
into her mess.
Hearing her change the subject, Fernando’s fingers tightened slightly on the armrest. She still loved Eddy, even after his betrayal-even after he’d moved another woman into his life.
And that other woman was Blanche’s half-sister.
Fernando looked at Blanche, his gaze growing deeper and more intense. “Tomorrow, Ivycrest University is holding a press conference. They’ll be revealing my identity to the public. Will you come?”
He hesitated, then added, “I want you to join my research team. We need your help to build a security system-to protect our work from sabotage and theft.”
Blanche hadn’t expected an invitation like this. In a little while, she’d be leaving Novandria for good.
Sensing her hesitation, Fernando pressed on. “With your skills, I know it won’t take long to build something formidable. I really need you,
Blanche.”
Before she could answer, a loud bang echoed from the hallway. Shouts followed, and suddenly a figure burst into view.
Blanche was yanked to her feet and pulled into a familiar, tense embrace.
Eddy’s dark eyes burned with fury, his voice sharp and cold. “Professor Reese, what do you want with my wife?”
Their eyes locked, and the atmosphere in the room dropped to freezing.
“Let her go,” Fernando ordered, his voice clipped. “You’re hurting her.”
Pain shot through Blanche’s wrist where Eddy gripped her, and she tried to pull away. Normally, at a moment like this, Eddy would have loosened his hold in concern. But now, he only gripped her tighter.
“My wife’s business is none of yours,” Eddy snapped. “If I ever catch you getting close to her again, you’ll regret it.” Without waiting for a response, he started dragging Blanche toward the door.
But Fernando stepped in front of him, blocking his path. “I said let her go.” The tension in the room was palpable, and several professors and scholars hurried forward to intervene.
“This is just a misunderstanding, Mr. Simmons,” someone said quickly.
“You forget, our institute is in talks with Simmons Enterprises about a major project. Professor Reese was simply discussing some of the details with Mrs. Simmons.” A young researcher tried to smooth things
over.
Eddy finally released Blanche’s wrist, only to slide his arm possessively around her waist, holding her tightly. His voice was icy. “That won’t be necessary. Simmons Enterprises is no longer interested in your project.”
“Mr. Simmons!” the young man exclaimed, panic rising in his voice. “This is a groundbreaking Al and pharmaceutical innovation. We hoped to partner with your company for mutual benefit.”
“There are plenty of companies interested,” another pleaded. “We thought a partnership with Simmons would be ideal.”
Eddy never looked away from Fernando. He stepped closer, his voice
Chapter 67
even lower, more menacing. “So long as Professor Reese is involved, Simmons Enterprises will never be interested.”
With those words, he effectively blacklisted Fernando.
The room erupted in anxious whispers.
“We’ll be leaving now.”
Eddy pulled Blanche toward the door. She had no choice but to follow, but just before they left the room, she looked back over her shoulder. “Thank you for the invitation, Professor Reese. I’ll be at the press conference
tomorrow.”
With that, Eddy swept her up effortlessly and carried her out of the hotel.
He placed her in the backseat of the Rolls-Royce, and before she had a chance to settle in, he slid in after her, his anger still simmering.
