Chapter 145

Intensity radiated from Hannah, her presence nearly crackling with energy.

Danica shrank back a little but held her ground,drawing strength from the fact that this was still the Jones residence. "Your mother started this mess.Just look at what she did to Brinley!"

Margaret didn't miss a beat. "Maybe next time, keep your mouth in check. You called us broke and accused my daughter of cheating. Honestly, you're lucky all you got was a glass of water thrown at you."She would have surged forward again if Raymond hadn't gently restrained her.

Stepping into the fray, Felix tried to keep the peace."Mr. and Mrs. Scott, please-let Hannah take care of things."

Margaret nodded in agreement, though she eyed Felix with open curiosity.

Danica's patience snapped. "You're all uncivilized.Lèave at once! The Jones family doesn't want your kind here." In her mind, the mere presence of the Scotts brought disgrace to the Jones family.

Hannah scoffed. "You act like I'm desperate to stay.Breathing the same air as you makes my skin crawl."

Without another word, Hannah advanced.

Brinley, feeling the weight of Hannah's stare,instinctively ducked behind Danica for protection.

Nerves stretched taut, Danica sneered, "What are you planning to do now?"

"Why are you cowering?" Hannah grabbed Brinley and hauled her out from her hiding spot. "You actually had the nerve to mess with my parents? Did you honestly think I'd let that slide?"

Brinley barely managed to get a word out before Hannah, quick and unhesitating, twisted her arm behind her back. With a swift move, Hannah drove her knee forward , forcing Brinley to stumble and lose balance.

A single arm pinned Brinley to the floor, and with a sharp, practiced motion, Hannah slammed her hand down. Brinley's scream rang out, pain radiating from her palm.

"Let go! Hannah, please-let me go!" Brinley exclaimed, tears streaming down her face as she thrashed, but Hannah's grip didn't loosen for a moment.

Danica shouted in panic, "She has a heart condition!Stop this right now!"

She lunged to help, only to have Felix block her path,calm but resolute.

"This is their issue. Please, don't get involved," Felix said,voice steady as stone.

Danica's frustration boiled over. "Who do you think you are? Get out of the Jones home!" She shoved Felix, but he stood his ground, unmoved by her anger.

Brinley's cries echoed through the hallways, each one sharper than the last.

Hannah's expression stayed cold and unmoved."Painful, isn't it? You're lucky it's just your hand.I warned you not to mess with my parents. Did it sink in this time?"

Without that, Hannah released her grip-only to seize Brinley's.other hand, pinning it hard against the floor.

Brinley writhed in agony, her screams climbing in pitch with every movement.

Upstairs, the uproar pierced Vincent's sleep,dragging him out of his haze. Maybe he'd slept too long-his head was foggy, and the noise downstairs was overwhelming.

He made his way to the commotion, pausing in shock at the scene that greeted him. A stormny look took over his features. "What on earth is happening here?"

Heads turned instantly to the staircase, all except Hannah's.

At the sound of his voice, Hannah pressed down even harder.

Brinley's shrill plea cut through the chaos. "Vincent,please! Hannah is going to kill me!"

Vincent's anger simmered as he strode over, hand reaching out to pull Hannah away.

But Hannah caught his approach out of the corner of her eye, slipping out of reach before he could touch her.

Seizing her chance, Brinley scrambled upright and dashed to Vincent's side, using him as a shield. Tears spilled down her face as she raised her trembling,bloodied hands. "Vincent, look! She really tried to kill me!"

Felix quickly stepped to Hannah's side. "Are you okay?"

A silent nod was all the answer Hannah gave.

Vincent's gaze swept over the pair, tension crackling in the set of his jaw and the narrowing of his eyes.With a cold edge to his voice, he shot Felix a look and taunted, "Is it necessary for you to bring him everywhere you go now?"