Chapter 196

For a moment, Hannah stiffened, caught off guard.

Vincent stepped past Miles, entering the room with a confident air as he addressed Irene, "I heard you were hosting a dinner, Mrs. Whitaker, so I brought a bottle of wine as a little gift."

Vincent's gaze swept over the seating arrangement. The moment he saw Hannah sitting next to Miles,every question he had vanished-Miles really was introducing Hannah to his mother.

Suddenly,Vincent felt the bottle in his hand seemed to burn wvith heat.

Miles accepted the wine smoothly, not missing a beat. "This is such a fine wine. Thanks, Mr. Jones. We'll be sure to enjoy it."

Irene offered a warm, welcoming smile."How considerate of you, Mr. Jones. Why not stay and join us for dinner?"

This time,Hannah found her voice.′′Ms.Whitaker, I'm sure Mr. Jones has a packed schedule. Let's not keep him."

Vincent replied with practiced ease, "Actually, I had a meeting scheduled, but it was canceled at the last minute."

Irene immediately cleared a spot at the table. "That works out perfectly. Please, Mr. Jones, have a seat."

Vincent pretended to hesitate. "Are you sure? I really don't want to intrude."After a few polite back-and-forths, Vincent finally agreed. "Well, if you insist."

He chose the seat directly across from Hannah.

Hannah didn't object since this dnner was hosted by Irene. Still, any desire to enjoy the dishes disappeared in an instanf. All she wanted was for the meal to end as soon as possible. Noticing her change in demeanor, Miles leaned closer. "Are you alright? You seem a bit off."

Hannah forced a quick smile and brushed off his concern. No way she could say, "I'm only uncomfortable because my ex-husband just sat down across from me."

Vincent noticed the quiet exchange between the two and couldn't help himself. "Since when did you two become so close, Mr.Whitaker?"

Miles responded calmly, "Working together brings people closer. We've partnered a few times-it adds up over time."

That was the truth. It was the same way Miles had cometo be on friendly terms with Vincent.

Irene glanced between them, her curiosity piqued. "Wait a minute, Mr. Jones, you're saying you already know Ms.Scott?"

With an easy motion, Vincent raised his wineglass, took a measured sip, and fixed his eyes on Hannah."Absolutely. She's my ex-wife."

Hannah's expression didn't change at all.

Shock was written all over Irene's face as her mouth dropped open.

Anyone younger or more active online would have known the story of Hannah and Vincent's past. Irene,however, rarely went near the internet and had no clue there was any connection between them.

Irene tried to cover her surprise. "Oh my. Here I am, making things awkward. Let's eat, shall we? I hope you all enjoy the meal."

For a moment, everyone grew quiet, and the group started eating in uneasy silence.

Just then, the door to the private room swung open.

Daphne entered with a bright smile. "Mom! I happened to be here with some friends, so I thought I'd come see the woman you're hoping will be my brother's future bride..."

Her words left the room frozen. The second Daphne spotted Hannah, her face changed. "Hannah Scott? What are you doing here?"

Irene was quick to step in, gently pulling Daphne aside. "Hannah is here as my guest."

Daphne froze, her eyes wide. "Wait, Mom, is she really the one you've been trying to set my brother up with?"

Hearing this, Vincent tossed back the last of his wine in a single swallow, his jaw set.

Irene hurried to press a hand over Daphne's mouth. "Careful with your words."

Turning to Hannah and Vincent, Irene offered an uneasy smile, clearly trying to keep the peace.

Daphne quickly pulled her mother's hand away. "Why are you stopping me from speaking, Mom?" Raising her voice, she added, "I don't care who you choose, but it can't be Hannah. She's not a good person!"

Irene gave her daughter's arm a sharp tug. "That's enough-I never meant it that way."

Daphne refused to back down and spoke even louder. "Don't ie to me. This whole dinner was meant to set her up with my brother. And I'm telling you now-she's not worthy of my brother. She's divorced, for crying out loud! You honestly believe someone like her fits into our family?"

Hannah didn't flinch. She'd heard worse before-and plenty of it.

Miles finally lost his patience. "Daphne. That's enough. Apologize to Ms. Scott."

Daphne's eyes filled with angry tears. "No. Why does everyone keep taking her side over mine?"

Miles let out a sigh. "We've spoiled you for far too long."

Daphne's lips began to tremble, and her eyes grew red with frustration.

Whatever good mood the group had was long gone. The dinner had completely unraveled, and no one tried to hide their discomfort anymore. Hannah decided she'd had enough, picked up her bag,and got to her feet to leave.

The sight of Hannah walking away pushed Daphne over the edge. In a burst of anger, she grabbed a glass and hurled it at Hannah's back. "Here's to your shamelessness in seducing my brother!"But the glass never even got close to Hannah. It struck Vincent, who had leapt forward to shield the attack,right on the forehead with a dull thud. He winced, caught Daphne's wrist before she could react, and fixed her with a cold stare. "Really? Is this what your family thinks is acceptable behavior?"