Chapter 102

A sudden stillness replaced Brinley's bright expression. "Vincent,I just got changed for skiing-and now you're leaving already?"Her eyes were wide with disbelief.

Not bothering to meet her gaze, Vincent stood, briskly buttoning his jacket. He motioned to the waiting butler with a tilt of his head.

Picking up on the silent cue, the butler quickly slipped away to handle the jet preparations.

Apologies sounded hollow as Vincent checked his watch. "An urgent matter came up at the office. Everything's arranged for you-the butler will make sure you're all set. Go ahead and ski without me."

Desperation crept in as Brinley moved to catch his wrist,her voice soft and sweet. "It's no fun alone. Can't you just push it back for a while? We hardly ever get moments like this together."

A glimmer of hope shone in her eyes, silently hoping he'd change his mind for her.

Without hesitation, Vincent freed his arm from her grasp and stepped away. "This can't wait." He made it clear he wouldn't budge.

Shoulders drooping, Brinley gave in. "Fine..."

With his back turned, Vincent walked to the enormous window and stared out at the swirling snow, his thoughts miles away.

Long moments passed before Brinley made up her mind and Long moments passed before Brinley made up her mind and spoke up. "In that case, I'll head back with you."

"No need. Stay and enjoy yourself. Take a few more days here,"he said flatly, still facing the window.

Brinley did her best to keep her voice gentle, even as disappointment crept in. "It isn't much of a vacation without you,but I get it-work is important."

"Do whatever you want," Vincent replied, his voice detached.

Resolved to leave, she murmured, "I'll go change, then."

Her ski clothes were swapped for travel attire in record time,and she reappeared, frustration clear in her movements as she packed up her belongings.

Soon after,both Vincent and Brinley boarded the jet together and began the trip back.

By 7 p.m., they were back at the Jones estate.

No sooner had they entered the main hall than a flurry of criticism descended on them.

Danica gave Brinley a discreet look.

Sharon's expression turned thunderous the instant Vincent walked in with Brinley. She shot up from the sofa. "Where's Hannah? Weren't you supposed to take your wife skiing?"

Silence stretched from Vincent, his jaw tight.

Trying to smooth things over, Brinley quickly stepped up and reached out to steady Sharon. "Please, Sharon, don't get upset -it's not good for your health."

Dismissively, Sharon shook off Brinley's hand and leveled a finger at Vincent. "Is this how you treat your wife? You promised to take her, yet you brought Brinley instead? If you're through with her, just admit it and I'll arrange the divorce through with her, just admit it and I'll arrange the divorce

myself!"

A flush of anger spread over her cheeks, and in the end, she had to sit down on the sofa, unable to keep standing.

Vincent's voice sounded strained and low. "Grandma, it's not what you think."

No patience lingered in Sharon's tone. "Don't feed me excuses.Then tell me-why didn't you come back with Hannah?"

Avoiding the question, Vincent's gaze flicked upstairs,a worried crease forming on his brow. "She's not home yet?"

Sharon's eyes narrowed as she shot Brinley a cold side-eye."You went on a trip with another woman. What reason would Hannah have to come back?"

A wave of anxiety swept over Brinley at the bite in Sharon's words-each one seemed to single her out.

Without lingering a moment longer, Vincent spun around. "I'll go look for her."

Some of Sharon's fire faded. "That's not necessary. I already called. She said she'll be back soon."

Only then did Vincent pivot, approaching the sofa to sit beside his grandmother.

Realization dawned on Brinley as she glanced at Vincent. He hadn't come back because of work at all-he'd only rushed home for Hannah. A cold ache settled over her, heavy with bitterness. Resentment took root, her thoughts darkening toward Hannah.

Watching the change in Brinley's demeanor, Danica reached over and gave her shoulder a gentle, understanding pat.

Before Danica could offer a word of comfort, the front door Before Danica could offer a word of comfort, the front door swung open. Hannah walked in, her presence filling the foyer.

Originally,Hannah hadn't planned to return to the Jones estate tonight, but Sharon's call changed everything. Word had reached Sharon, courtesy of Aubrey, that she hadn't gone skiing, and that news had instantly set Sharon on edge.

Worry had gotten the best of Sharon, who'd pleaded with Hannah to come home, afraid Hannah might be nursing hurt feelings somewhere alone.

Truthfully, Hannah hadn't felt all that wounded. Reluctance to return faded as she thought of Sharon's concern, so she agreed to come back.

Crossing the threshold, Hannah's gaze landed first on Vincent and then on Brinley. Apparently, their grand ski adventure was over sooner than expected. Barely sparing them a second look,she walked ahead, her mind elsewhere.

Arms wide, Sharon greeted her with warmth. "Hannah,you're finally here. We were all waiting for you so we could start dinner."

A smile broke across Hannah's face as she hurried to Sharon's side,lending support.

Vincent gazed at Hannah. In a flash, he was on his feet and reaching for her arm. "Grandma, I need a moment alone with Hannah."

Defiance flashed in Hannah's eyes. "Vincent, let go."

Resistance didn't matter. Vincent pulled Hannah away, intent on a private conversation.

At the edge of the room, Brinley started to follow, instinct guiding her steps, but Sharon's cane came down,blocking her path. "Let them handle their own problems. Why are you chasing after them? You stay right here." The words rang out chasing after them? You stay right here." The words rang out sharp and final.

Redness filled Brinley's eyes. "I just need some fresh air."Without waiting for permission, she turned and slipped out,the weight of the evening pressing down on her shoulders.