Chapter 101

At Sterling Heights, Hannah headed toward Unit 2301 without delay.

Her initial intention had been to simply drop the garment off and walk away. However, just as she lowered the bag, the elevator chimed behind her, and out walked Miles,accompanied by his assistant.

Hannah stiffened.

The moment Miles caught sight of her, his face darkened. He instantly recognized her as the same one who'd previously offered him five percent in profits.

Kenneth had already dug into Nova Tech. This company hadn't even managed to clear a seven-figure revenue in years. Her offer seemed ridiculous.

Miles cast Hannah a disdainful look. "You again?" His gaze dropped, landing on the bag Hannah had placed by the door."Trying to buy my favor?"

Frantically, Hannah raised her arms. "Mr. Whitaker, it's not what you're thinking." She picked up the bag and extended it to him."This suit jacket is for you. I lost the one you lent me and bought the same design to make up forit."

Miles made no move to take it. His voice was sharp."Unnecessary. I don't wear things from other people."Especially not from someone who'd done everything she could to get into his orbit.

Hannah could feel the rejection in his stare. She calmly drew her hand back and placed it down again by the door once more."I understand your decision," she said evenly. "Still, returning it feels like the right thing to do."

Without further words, she turned on her heel and headed toward the elevator.

But before she could step in, Miles called out,"Ms. Scott."

She turned her head. "Yes, Mr. Whitaker?"

"If you have that much drive to run after me, maybe channel it into your company products." Miles' gaze was cold and appraising. "From what I hear, you've got nothing new coming.Looks like collapse is near."

Hannah paused, puzzled by the level of hostility he harbored toward her. He always painted her as deceitful, always presumed the worst. She gave a distant smile. "No need to worry, Mr. Whitaker. Nova Tech isn't going under."

She wasn't in the mood to continue this conversation. With the elevator still not there, she made her way down the stairs instead.

Miles gave a curt laugh. "So she does have a temper."

Miles appreciated strength and guts, but this woman's tactics felt so cheap. He had no patience for women who tried to latch on him.

Kenneth glanced down at the bag resting by the door. Inside was a richly-colored indigo blazer and a note folded neatly inside. He didn't bother to read it. It likely contained a phone number or some personal detail. Knowing how much Miles loathed these gestures, he didn't say a word about it. "What should I do with the blazer, Mr. Whitaker?" Kenneth asked.

"Toss it," Miles said without hesitation.

Moments like this were rare-Hannah finally got to relax at her Sterling Heights apartment. No one to argue with. No tension in the air. The last few days with Vincent had been draining-heated arguments and frigid silences. Her emotions had been stretched thin. She couldn't remember the last time she felt peace like this.

She found herself quietly longing for the day their divorce would be settled, for this space to become her new home.

She leaned back and closed her eyes, hoping to rest,but her mind was restless. Vincent's sharp remarks kept looping in her memory, followed by the image of Miles's disdain. Her thoughts wouldn't quiet down.

She glanced at the clock. It was only three in the afternoon.After a brief moment of thought, she chose to return to the office. Nova Tech still needed her.

On the way,Hannah picked up a tray of coffee for the team.

Felix looked up as she entered. "Didn't you go skiing?" he asked in a hushed voice. "You're back already?"

Hannah distributed the cups with ease while responding to him in a low voice, "Didn't happen. Vincent brought Brinley instead."Felix shook his head, clearly indignant on her behalf. "What a jerk."

She gently patted his arm and then addressed her colleagues. She gently patted his arm and then addressed her colleagues,"Take whatever you'd like."

With that, she made her way back to her office and buried herself in her tasks.

Elsewhere, Brinley was glowing with excitement asshe pulled on her ski clothes. "Vincent! I'm all set! When are we heading out?"

"Soon," he replied. He was sitting on the couch, shoulders tense, eyes glued to his tablet.

From their departure on the private jet to their arrival at the villa, he hadn't taken a break. His brow was drawn tight as he focused on the screen.

Brinley noticed his shift in mood. Danica's earlier message flashed through her thoughts. Could it be true? Had Hannah really fotlowed them here? A wave of unease rippled through her. This wasn't where she wanted to run into Hannah-not in a romantic setting like this. She approached him carefully."Vincent, is something wrong?"

He locked the tablet. "I need to head back."