Blanche's POV
Zain's words carried a sharp edge, a warning wrapped in silk.
I caught his meaning immediately—he was protecting Joanna.
My stomach twisted as I watched Demetrius, knowing he could get burned in this mess. I pushed back from the table. "Demetrius, let's go somewhere else."
Zain studied us with those cold, calculating eyes. I could practically see the gears turning in his head, suspicion building.
Demetrius stood, matching Zain's icy stare. "Mr. Jacob, since you claim this isn't about the research project, I see no point in staying." His tone stayed polite, but the distance was unmistakable.
He gripped my arm firmly and guided me toward the exit.
——
The thought gnawed at Joanna, making her wonder if Demetrius truly hated her because of Blanche, a notion she couldn't quite reconcile.
Zain turned his attention to Joanna, reading the embarrassment written across her face.
