Chapter 158

"Certainly. Review this, Mr. Jones." Miles extended the contract toward Vincent.

Vincent skimmed through the pages and scribbled his signature with mechanical fluidity. "The funds should reflect within forty-eight hours."

Miles, typically not one to pry, couldn't help but ask,"Is there a reason you're funneling ten million into Nova Tech under VitraMind's banner?"

Vincent pressed his fingers to his forehead,weariness dragging down his features. "Had it come from Jones Group, she would've rejected it outright."

There was no doubt about the identity of "she"-it was Hannah.

Miles gave a light laugh. "Mr. Jones, that's awfully thoughtful of your ex-wife."

Vincent simply announced, "I'm heading out."

After exiting the building, Vincent spotted Derek already by the curb. "Where did Brinley go?" he questioned.

"Miss Gilbert returned on her own," Derek responded with formality. "Back to the office, Mr. Jones?"

Vincent gave a clipped order. "Home."

As the vehicle moved forward in silence, Vincent abruptly asked, "Derek, were you ever aware of the gossip in the company about Hannah?"

"Could you clarify?" Derek replied, a littlepuzzled.

"They'd say things like... Referring to her as 'my mistress'..." Vincent trailed off, the words bitter in his mouth.

Derek replied candidly, "Since your marriage to Ms.Scott was kept private, most assumed the worst.You gave no statements, and the narrative took over."

Vincent's eyes darkened. "Were the comments... harsh?"

"To be honest, some were downright cruel. Yet, Ms.Scott wore the same composed expression, like nothing touched her." Derek observed Vincent in the rearview mirror, stopping short of saying too much.

Silence crept back into the space between them.After a beat, Vincent murmured, "Did you know she had depression?"

Derek's reaction was visible. "No. Should I investigate?"

Vincent's voice sharpened. "Hadn't I told you to look after her while I was away?" His frustration boiled over, though he couldn't articulate the cause. His tone turned brittle and tense.

Derek quickly defended himself. "Mr. Jones, you asked me to provide support if Ms. Scott reached out. She rarely did-only when she couldn't get hold of you. Otherwise, she stayed distant."

After a pause, Vincent found something else to criticize. "Ms. Scott, Ms. Scott... Who said you should stop calling her 'Mrs. Jones'?"

"She instructed me to stop using that title," Derek replied cautiously. "It felt odd initially, but I adapted."

"That's enough. Just drive. No more talking." Vincent shut his eyes, drained.

"Understood, Mr. Jones."

Moments later, Vincent spoke again. "Soon, the press might catch wind of my separation from Hannah."

"I'll handle it discreetly," Derek responded instantly.

"Don't suppress it," Vincent said, his eyes now open."Let it spread. Understood?"

"Understood. But trying to right wrongs now? Might be a bit late..." The words escaped before Derek could stop them.

"Shut it."

Derek zipped his lips theatrically without further comment.

At Nova Tech, Hannah and Felix formally unveiled the thrilling development of VitraMind's collaboration,and the update was immediately shared with the team on Dace Island.

Regarding Evan, Hannah had already dispatched someone to gather concrete proof. An update was imminent.

Relief swept through the staff-employment remained intact, for the timebeing.

"Does this mean we're advancing to Al integration for the 4.0 wristband?" Sophie asked, lifting her hand,eyes gleaming.

"Precisely! Things are only going to escalate from here. But..." Hannah's voice took on an intriguing lilt."Before diving in again, the company's treating you to a two-day retreat at the Maravelle Islands. All expenses paid." "Are you serious?" The group stared in amazement-the gesture was entirely unexpected.

Hannah nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! And we know it's hard to relax with supervisors nearby, so Felix and I won't be attending."

"Ms. Scott, you're amazing!" The office erupted with applause and celebration. Spirits soared.

Watching the excitement, Hannah and Felix shared a contented glance.

Someone joked from across the room, asking,11SO1does that mean you and Mr. Wade are locking yourselves in the office instead?"

"Hardly-we've got our own plans," Hannah replied slyly, her smile teasing.

Felix's head tilted slightly as he looked at her, a grin sneaking in while his pulse quickened.

The vague response fueled another round of playful speculation and giggles.To dispel the buzz, Hannah raised her voice. "Don't get ideas-Felix and I are colleagues. That's all."

Felix's expression dimmed momentarily, a flicker of sadness crossing his face.

No one was convinced, and the teasing persisted with laughter.

Hannah finally tugged Felix by the wrist and pulled him into her office-it was the only place that offered peace.

"What's the matter?" Felix asked, sounding a little down.

Hannah showed him her phone screen. "Didn't I promise you a getaway? I've already reserved the flights-we're going to Elaria.Well?"

Felix's eyes sparkled. "You remembered that?"

"Of course. I always retain what matters to people,"Hannah replied warmly. She meant every word.

"No wonder you were glued to your screen in the car. You were booking this!" Felix took her phone gently,his mood visibly lifted.

When he stared at it too long, Hannah made a fake grab for it. "You seem unimpressed. Should I cancel everything?"

"Who said that? I'd love to go on a trip with you."

·Their eyes locked-and in that second, Felix could've sworn galaxies shimmered in hers-luminous and endless.

His gaze was too intense, and Hannah had to be the one to turn away first.