Chapter 152

For two solid days, Hannah and Felix poured all their energy into the bid proposal.

Draft after draft crossed their desks, and the final version only received its approval just a few hours before the submission deadline.

On the morning of the bidding event, Hannah dressed in a sharp black suit that made her look both polished and prepared.

Although the bidding event was set to begin at ten,she and Felix arrived at the venue shortly after eight.An event coordinator showed them the way to the multifunctional hall.

Before they could go inside, they were required to draw lots. Hannah ended up with the seventh slot for her presentation. personally selected by Miles, who only considered products he truly wanted to work with.

Taking on the role of lead presenter, Hannah immediately grabbed her laptop as soon as she sat down, double-checking every detail of the proposal.

A few people in the room recognized her and kept glancing in her,direction, but she didn't let it distract her. Her focus remained locked on the proposal's key sections, making sure her talking points were both crisp and clear, repeating them in her mind.

The quiet didn't last long as the room quickly filled with conversation.

Snippets of talk floated her way, and it didn't take long for Hannah to realize people were gossiping about Brinley and Vincent.

A glance upward made Hannah accidentally lock eyes with Vincent, though she quickly turned her attention away.

Brinley, following Vincent's line of sight, spotted Hannah.

Taking advantage of Vincent being surrounded by company executives, Brinley wasted no time and strode over to Hannah. "This isn't the kind of event you should be attending," she said bluntly.

Hannah calmly shut her laptop, leaned back in her seat, and gave Brinley a cold stare. "And what sort of event is this that I'm not allowed to attend?"

A smirk played on Brinley's lips as she tried to look important. "This is an invitation-only affair for CEOs of companies. Are you one? You shouldn't just walk in here. Leave right now, or I'll call security and have you throwNn out."

Unmoved, Hannah responded, "Go ahead and call them. I'd love to see who dares to try."

Just then, Felix returned from the restroom to find Brinley confronting Hannah. He immediately stepped forward, putting himself between the two women."Miss Gilbert, what are you hoping to accomplish this time?"Brinley's chin lifted with attitude. "Mr. Wade, do you really think it's right to bring someone with no connection to the company into an event like this?"

Felix answered in a calm, even tone, "Hannah is not unrelated. She's one of Nova Tech's partners."

A sharp laugh escaped Brinley. "Mr. Wade, you can't just invent some fancy title to bring your girlfriend here. I'm not that gullible. How could someone who was once a full-time housewife really be your business partner?"

Hannah stood up and stepped forward, meeting Brinley's gaze head-on. "If you don't believe me, why not try to get me kicked out?"

"Think I won't?" Brinley quickly waved over an event coordinator.

Before anything else could happen, Vincent called out, "Brinley, don't start any trouble."

Brinley pulled her hand back, her tone sulky."Vinc ent, Hannah doesn't qualify to attend this event. I'm not causing trouble-l am reasonably suspicious."

Vincent gave Brinley a hard look. "Mind your own business. Other people's affairs are none of your concern."

Brinley's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Fine." The sight of Daphne coming near caught her attention,so she pointed Daphne out to Vincent before going to meet Daphne.

Vincent glanced at Hannah and asked, "So, did you come with Felix today?"

A sharp reply left Hannah's lips as she sat back down and reopened her laptop. "That has nothing to do with you,Mr.Jones."

Felix was just about to sit beside her when Vincent slid in first, bumping Felix out of the way.

Annoyance flickered across Hannah's face. "What are you trying to pull?"

With a shrug, Vincent replied, "I like this spot.It has a

great view." His eyes drifted to her laptop. "Are you working for Felix these days?"

Hannah's patience was running out. "Vincent, why do you care what your ex-wife is doing?"

A stubborn glint flashed in Vincen's eyes. "Who says a man can't care about his ex-wife? And don't flatter yourself-I'm not asking because I can't get over you." He stared straight ahead. "Rest assured, since we're divorced, I won't cling to you."

"That's very reassuring, Mr. Jones." Hannah forced a laugh and stood, tugging Felix along. "You can keep your precious seat. We'll find another spot."

Vincent watched them walk away, a shadow falling over his expression.