Chapter 109

Gripping onto Miles like a castaway clutching driftwood, Hannah implored, "Mr. Whitaker, I need your help. Someone tried to assault me."

Miles's brow twitched faintly. Finding her in the corridor outside his hotel room was beyond his expectations. His response was frosty. "What's this now? Some new tactic to seduce me?"

Steadying herself, Hannah lifted her sleeves to show the dark marks along her neck and arm. Her tone didn't waver, her gaze unflinching. "I'm telling the truth. I was brought here against my will."

Miles stood impassive. "Who exactly tried anything? There's no one behind you."

A chill spread through her chest. She didn't push any further."Then... Can I borrow your device? I need to contact a friend for a ride."

She recognized her impulsiveness-what she truly needed was to reach Rena.

Miles eyed her with skepticism, still unsure what to make of her. But in the end, he offered the phone.

"I appreciate it," she whispered, sincerely thankful.

Through his assistance, she was finally able to relay her exact whereabouts. So this was the Lightwell Hotel-only a few streets away from the Jones residence. That was why Brinley had shown up so quickly by those men's side. The distance was negligible.Not long after, Rena came to collect Hannah.

Vincent hadn't been able to remain away from the party long.Even though the night was in Sharon's honor, being the Jones family head meant he had responsibilities.

Out of nowhere, a call came from the caregiver. Hannah had disappeared. He instantly strode to the door, but he almost collided with Hannah walking in.

His face instantly relaxed. "You're safe. I'll take you to the hospital first." Remembering the family physician's advice, he reached out to take her wrist.

"No need," Hannah answered, pulling away. "Let's just go inside."

She moved forward, and he kept close behind. "I've already ordered an investigation into the assault."

Hannah halted and glanced back at him. He couldn't find her -Rena must've told him what had happened. Her voice held no warmth. "What if I said I already know who did it?"

"Who?" he asked, stepping to block her path.

"Brinley," she answered, voice tight with fury.

Vincent's reaction was immediate. "That's not possible. She was present at the party all evening, welcoming everyone.She couldn't have done it."

"Really?" Hannah replied with a dry chuckle. "Then we're done talking." She turned away, not interested in continuing.

Vincent seized her arm. "Don't be unreasonable. Just let me take you to the hospital."

"If you're not on my side, Vincent, stay out of this." She yanked her arm away. The sudden motion disturbed her injury, and she her arm away. The sudden motion disturbed her injury, and she turned pale from the sting.

He didn't attempt to touch her again. Just then, one of Sharon's longtime friends came to greet him.

Seizing the chance, Hannah walked inside. The party was nearing its end. Sharon was nowhere in sight, likely having gone upstairs by now.

Hannah stepped forward just as the SKY Philharmonic concluded their last piece.

At the same moment, Danica had been actively presenting Brinley to the elite guests. "This is Brinley Gilbert," she said with a proud smile. "She recently returned from overseas. She and Vincent grew up together, and the two of them are about to get engaged."

"Oh? Sounds like Vincent's big day is just around the corner,"one guest remarked.

Brinley offered a soft, shy smile, and Danica responded instead,"The ring's already selected. We're just waiting for Brinley to give the word."

"I heard you organized everything for tonight's event, Miss Gilbert. It's been spectacular-flawless, really," another commented.

Brinley kept her expression gracious. "Sharon's birthday is important to all of us. It's my first time handling something like this, so I made sure every detail is perfect."

Danica added fondly, "Brinley's always cared deeply for the Jones family. She barely slept these last few nights, just to make this evening perfect."

"You really are the epitome of elegance, Miss Gilbert. But I have to ask-how in the world did you manage to book the SKY Philharmonic? My dad adores them, and we've never been SKY Philharmonic? My dad adores them, and we've never been able to get them. They're nearly unreachable!"

That compliment thrilled Brinley. She figured that since the orchestra was based abroad, it was likely that no one here had any direct contact with them. Straightening her spine, she answered fluidly, "The representative for the SKY Philharmonic is an old friend of mine. We actually had dinner last week."

"Remarkable network, Miss Gilbert. Knowing someone in that league is extraordinary." A woman's voice emerged from the crowd, slicing through the air. People instinctively moved aside to make way.

Brinley froze in disbelief the second she recognized the speaker-Hannah. Those worthless goons! They couldn't even finish Hannah off on the bed! And now she was back to destroy everything.