Chapter 176

Two sharp blows landed across Brinley's face. Tears streamed down in an unstoppable flood as she turned toward Vincent, desperate for any sign that he might come to her rescue.

Vincent kept his gaze elsewhere. He didn't so much as blink in her direction.

For Brinley, every mistake, every risk she had taken,had always been for Vincent, so how could he turn his back on her now? A deep sense of despair clouded her vision as she looked at him.

Standing tall and cold, Hannah fixed her eyes on Brinley. There was not a hint of kindness in her stare."Did you really think it would end like this?"

Brinley raised her head to meet the challenge, unable to hide the bitter anger twisting her face. going to make sure you answer for what you've done. The evidence against you is overwhelming,and you'll likely spend the rest of your life in prison,"Hannah declared, her tone as frigid as her expression. "Now, let's see who is still willing to shield you."

As she spoke those final words, her gaze flicked .toward Vincent-completely devoid of emotion.

Vincent said nothing, but his silence made it clear where he stood.

With panic taking over, Brinley collapsed onto her knees before Vincent. Her voice shook as she begged, "Vincent, please, I can't go to jail. I'm too young.I promise I'll change. Just help me this one time. Please, Vincent, I'm begging you."

Vincent shook her hand off his sleeve and answered in a tone that was steady and low, "You're an adult.You need to face the consequences of your actions."After thinking it over for a few moments, he relented just a little. "I'll get a lawyer to defend you. That's all l can do." Brinley broke down completely. "Vincent..." Her v/oice was a hollow echo of defeat.

Inside the hospital room, Brinley's sobs drowned out everything else. Hannah, growing irritated by the noise disturbing Sharon's peace, reached for the phone and spoke to security. "Someone's causing a disturbance here, affecting the patient's rest. Could you send someone over?"

Caught in her sorrow, Brinley didn't even react until two security guards moved to escort her away.

"On what grounds are you kicking me out? Let go!"Brinley fought against their grip, but her protest faded as she was led down the hall, leaving the room finally quiet.

Danica, slumped on the couch, looked pale and worn. Not long after, she muttered an excuse and slipped out.

Vincent, lost in thought, soon followed, mumbling a reason as he left.Left alone, Sharon squeezed Hannah's hand, her thoughts tangled. "Hannah, when I overheard Brinley's exchange with Danica, I was worried about you.Seeing you safe makes me feel like I'm halfway to recovery."

Seeing Sharon so frail tugged at Hannah's heart. She sat close and spoke softly. "Sorry for making you ·worry."

"What matters most is that you're safe now."Hesitation crept in before Sharon added, "Hannah,please don't hold it against Vincent. He has his reasons for letting Brinley off so easily."

Choosing not to linger on the topic, Hannah offered a gentle promise instead. "Don't worry about it now.I'll stay by your side until you drift off."

A smile of gratitude appeared as Sharon replied,"Thank you. That would help."

Sharon knew she couldn't get involved in the tangled history between Hannah and Vincent, so she let the subject drop. Fatigue weighed on Sharon, and before long, she slipped into a peaceful sleep.

Moving as quietly as she could, Hannah left the hospital room, only to nearly bump into Vincent waiting in the hallway. She leveled a steady look at him and spoke in a calm but firm tone. "Let Sharon rest. Give her some time before you go back in."

"Alright," Vincent said, his words rough, as though he hadn't spoken for a while. "I was waiting for you."

"I need to go back," Hannah said, her refusal clear.

"I promise this won't take long," Vincent answered,his eyes not leaving her.

Refusing to entertain him further, Hannah walked away. Vincent dropped his gaze for a moment, but then he hurried after her, gripping her arm and steering her toward a quiet corner.

Hannah pulled free from his hold and challenged him directly. "What is it that you need?"

Getting straight to the issue, Vincent said, "I didn't know what Brinley had done until now. I'm here to apologize for everything she put you through."

"No apology can undo what she's done. She'll answer for her mistakes, and if you're hoping I'll show her mercy, that's not happening," Hannah said,her stare as cold as her words.

Vincent's tone shifted to one of gravity as he held her gaze. "You've got it wrong. There's something l need you to understand about all this."