Chapter 142

Hidden in the shadows of the hallway, Brinley managed to catch Vincent mentioning the court. A flicker of hope danced in her chest-if attorneys were involved, the divorce must be nearing its end.

After witnessing Hannah and Vincent split up, both looking frustrated, Brinley quietly slipped away,careful not to be seen.

Only once his cigarette burned down did Vincent return to Sharon's hospital room.①

With a practiced smile, Brinley presenteda plate with apple slices. "Here, Vincent,have some."

"No, thank you." He waved her off, slumping against the sofa, eyes distant.

Sharon, unable to ignore his deflated demeanor finally broke her silence. "Vincent, why are you and Hannah going through with the divorce?"

Shrugging off the question, Vincent responded,"She's the one pushing for it. If that's what she wants, I'll let her have it."

Sharon immediately picked up on the crux of the issue."And what about you? Do you really want a divorce, Vincent?"

Hope flickered in Brinley's eyes as she watched,eager for Vincent to give apositive answer.

No reply came-Vincent stayed quiet, his thoughts locked away.

The silence weighed on Sharon, who let out a tired sigh. "Whether you want it or not, you need to express it. People can't understand your heart unless you speak up."

Genuine concern filled Sharon's voice. "You have to stop bottling up your feelings. If you're against the divorce, you need to say so. If you're for it, you owe everyone that truth as well."

Eyes cast downward, Vincent retreated further into

his own thoughts.

A heavy silence settled over the room, the question lingering unanswered.

Brinley chewed her apple in quiet contemplation,wondering why Vincent found it so difficult to gJive a straight answer.

Meanwhile, over at Nova Tech, Hannah's attorney finalized the divorce petition and submitted it to the court on her behalf.Progress was unfolding on Dace Island. After intensive training, the locals were now skilled enough to handle the new equipment.

This small victory brought Hannah genuine relief-it was the brightest news she'd had in days.

The bidding proposal, however, remained a source of stress. She and Felix had been at it for two days straight, and only now was the first draft starting to come together.

That night, exhaustion crept in as Hannah sat at her desk, kneading her temples to soothe a headache.

When her phone rang, she answered automatically,fully expecting another call about the Blossom Village project.

Sharon's familiar voice, however, greeted her on the line. "Hannah, you sound worn out. Have you been working all night?"

Instantly, Hannah's tone shifted to one of gentleness."I just wrapped things up, Sharon. Is there something on your mind?" A soft smile spread across her lips,comforted by the warmth in Sharon's voice.

A pause lingered before Sharon spoke up. "If you're not caught up with work, could you help me out with something?"

Without a moment's hesitation, Hannah replied, "Of course.What do you need?"

Sharon's worry filtered through the line. "It's Vincent -he's burning up with a fever,and there's no one at the family estate with him. Brinley and Danica areout, and both Aubrey and Derek are away on holiday.I'm not even in town. I just need someone to check on him. Could you do that for me?"②

She tried to persuade Hannah, her voice gentle but persistent. "I know you and Vincent have gone your separate ways, but surely there's still a little concern left? Please, Hannah, just this once?"

A polite but firm refusal left Hannah's lips. "Sharon,I really can't help this time."

Sharon's voice trembled with concern. "Hannah,please. I can't relax knowing he's all alone and sick."

Reluctance wavered, and Hannah eventually gave in."You just want me to stop by and see how he's doing?"

"Exactly, Hannah, that's all I'm asking. Just take a look."

"Fine," Hannah replied quietly.

The call ended, and Hannah immediately let Brinley know about Vincent's condition. Since Brinley was sofond of Vincent, she'd race home the second she heard Vincent was unwell. All Vincent needed was someone to be there. Maybe having his old flame close by would speed up his recovery.