Chapter 190

Hannah listened quietly, her face betraying little, though a hint of confusion lingered in her eyes. One question stuck with her. How had Vincent managed to appear at exactly the crucial moment? "Where is Vincent?" she asked suddenly.

Rena's voice brimmed with concern. "You're worried about him? Hannah, don't let a handful of heroic acts sway your judgment. You can't just forgive everything he's done."

Hannah gave a gentle smile. "That's not it. I just need to ask him something."

Relief swept over Rena. "Alright, I just didn't want you to go soft on him. Still, I heard his shoulder injury wasn't minor."

"Do you know which room he's staying in?" Hannah asked after a moment's thought.

Rena hesitated. "I do... Are you thinking of visiting him?"

With a soft laugh, Hannah shook her head. "No, but he did save me. That's something I can't ignore. Could you thank him for me instead?"

She pulled out a bank card and handed it to Rena. "There should be a million on this. It's for him-and for the bodyguards who helped."

Rena hesitated, reluctant. "I doubt Vincent would ever need your money."

"That's not the point. He saved my life, and he got hurt doing it. I just want to repay the favor, no debts left behind," Hannah said calmly. No matter if it was back when she was in danger abroad or the recent ordeal,Vincent had come through for her, and he'd gotten hurt because of it. She didn't want to owe him anything -it was best to settle it now.

After a moment of hesitation, Rena nodded and accepted the card."Okay.I'll make sure he gets it."

A while later, Rena arrived at Vincent's ward. She handed him the card, and his expression tightened, a deep crease forming between his brows."What's this about?" he asked, voice sharp.

"Hannah told me to give you this. One million, to settle the debt. She said that makes you even. No debts,no ties."

Vincent's frown only deepened. "She actually said that?"

"She did. She also-"

But before Rena could finish, Vincent snatched the card from her hand and strode out of the ward without another word.

"Hey! Where are you going?" Rena called out, hurrying after him.

Inside her ward, Hannah heard the commotion in the hallway and perked up, expecting Rena's return and slightly surprised by her efficiency. But when the door swung open, it was Vincent standing there, not her friend. The word "Rena" died on her lips.

"What's the matter? Didn't think it was enough?" Hannah asked.

Vincent, still in hospital clothes, stood by her bedside for a long moment, staring at her in silence before finally offering the card back. "I don't need your money."

Hannah's voice was detached. "Just take it. I don't like owing anyone."

"You don't owe me a thing," Vincent replied,voice lower now.

"Take it anyway. Give it to your bodyguards as a bonus or something," she replied as she slipped the card into his pocket.

Vincent frowned at her stubbornness.

Before the tension could thicken further, Hannah spoke again.′′One more thing. Why did you show up right when you did?"

Vincent took a breath and then answered honestly,′′After the blackout, I haven't figured out who was behind it and couldn't shake the feeling you might be in danger, so I had people keeping an eye on you. I just never thought we'd still be almost too late."

With Vincent's explanation, Hannah's suspicions finally faded away. Keeping her voice level, she said,"Mr.Jones, next time you pull something like this, at least give me a warning. Having strangers tail me is seriously unnerving."

Vincent offered a quiet apology and added, "I thought you'd refuse if I asked."

She brushed it off. "Never mind. There won't be a next time anyway." Done with the conversation,she made a subtle gesture toward the door. "That's alII wanted to discuss. You can go now."

A dry,humorless laugh escaped Vincent. "Not even going to ask how I'm doing?"

Hannah's tone was cool as she answered, "I'm sure someone like you will receive the best medical care."

Vincent lingered, silent, just watching her.

Suddenly,a cheerful woman's voice cut through the room."Vincent! I heard you were hurt and came as fast as I could. How's your back? Let me see!"

Without waiting for an answer, the speaker stepped forward, hands reaching for Vincent's hospital gown.

Vincent immediately retreated, frowning in discomfort. "Erica, what are you doing here?"

Erica Stanton was the daughter of Sharon's late comrade-in-arms. After the comrade's death, Sharon had adopted Erica. Erica, Vincent's senior by two years, had spent most of her life working far from home since Vincent's college years.

Erica pouted. "I should be asking you! I just got back and heard you'd been injured. By the time I reached your ward, you'd already disappeared."

Then, her gaze shifted to Hannah, sitting upright in the hospital bed. With a purposeful tug at Vincent's sleeve and a calculated grin, she asked, "So, is this your new girlfriend? You're not going to introduce me?"

Hannah's response was perfectly composed. "You're mistaken. I'm his ex-wife." Vincent's expression clouded over . Erica's mouth fell open in mock shock. She slapped a hand over her lips. "Hold on-you're Hannah Scott?The one who landed Brinley in prison?"