Chapter 202

Hannah thought "getting her ready" would mean something simple or routine. She never imagined she'd end up wearing a white wedding dress and a veil.

A cold sense of dread settled in her chest. What could her captors possibly be planning?

Once Hannah was fully dressed, she was led to a long table to sit down. Someone draped the veil over her face, and the moment she was in place, an armed guard took position at her side, watching her closely as if she might try to escape.

Carefully, Hannah studied her surroundings. It didn't take long to figure out she was in a hotel.

Mason Quill, the short, stocky man from before, caught her checking the exits. "Don't get clever,sweetheart," he remarked.

She gave him a nod, pretending to cooperate. Her mind raced. Who exactly was this honored guest? Was she about to be traded away? Her eyes flicked to the pistol at the guard's waist. If it came to that, she was ready to risk it all.

Just then, the hotel's main doors swung open. Vincent walked in at a steady pace, dressed in laid-back clothes.

The sight of Hannah in the wedding dress stopped him in his tracks. He stared, unable to believe what he was seeing, like someone lost in the desert stumbling upon a spring, afraid to even blink in case it vanished.Then, his pace quickened on its own.

Hannah's eyes widened the instant she saw Vincent. The truth dawned on her right away-he was the one they had been waiting for all along.

As Vincent drew closer, Mason signaled a group of guards. They moved in and stopped Vincent two meters from the table, guns drawn. At Mason's command, they frisked him, making sure he was unarmed.

Once they finished, Mason approached, looking very pleased with himself."Very cooperative, Mr. Jones. Just like the lovely Ms. Scott here."

Vincent shot him a cold look. "And you are?"

With a smug smile, Mason stuck out his hand. "Forgive my manners. I'm Mason Quill."

Vincent took a moment and then accepted the handshake.

Mason swept a hand toward Hannah."We put the bride together especially for you. I hope you're happy with what you see."

Someone lifted Hannah's veil.

Hannah's and Vincent's eyes met across the table.

In that instant, Hannah saw everything in Vincent's gaze-relief, shock, and a storm of deeper emotions, all quickly forced down and locked away.

Vincent straightened the rumpled collar of his shirt beforetaking a seat directly across from Hannah at the long table. His eyes swept over her, searching for any visible signs of harm. When he saw she was unhurt,he finally let out a quiet breath. He didn't waste a second. "Let's get to the point," he said in a cold tone."You lured me here. What do you want?"

Mason took the seat beside Vincent, letting out a low laugh. "I like a man who's direct."

He gave the tabletop a tap, and someone handed over a folder. At the top of the first page, bold words read,"Transfer of Trade Rights-Port of Agosphia."

A single glance at the paperwork was enough for Hannah to figure it out-they had taken her as leverage,hoping to force Vincent's hand.

She understood Vincent well. Even if things had turned cold between them, there was still history-he would never turn his back on her. But she also knewv the price they were demanding was outrageous. Billions in globál trade rights-all just to save her? No one should have to make that choice.

Vincent saw the truth right away-this was their real objective. His eyes skimmed the contract, and in the corner of his vision, he noticed Mason sneaking glances at the upper level. With a snap, Vincent shut the folder. "Fine. The terms are clear. I'll sign. But you let her go first." He nodded at Hannah for emphasis.

Mason flashed a smug look. "You must realize, Mr. Jones, this building is packed with my men. Do you really think you're in any place to make demands?"

Again, Mason's eyes darted toward the second floor. "Once the contract's signed, you get your bride back-unharmed, that's a promise."

Vincent leaned back, tossing the folder onto the table. "If I signed that right now, neither she nor I would leave here alive." His fingers drummed lightly on the wood. "You've got more men hiding out than the few in this room."

Vincent had noticed the hidden guards the moment he stepped inside. Their numbers weren't as few as Mason pretended.

That wiped the smile off Mason's face. "Mr. Jones, you really don't miss much, do you?"

Vincent's eyes narrowed."My patience is running out. Let her go and keep me instead. Isn't it me you really want?"

Mason hesitated, eyes flickering upstairs again.′′We∥1−′′

Before he could finish, Vincent sprang into action. He reached out and locked Mason in a tight chokehold."If you're not the boss, bring out the person who is."

Hannah's heart pounded-so Mason wasn't in charge after all.

A deep, mocking chuckle echoed from above. A group of guards came down the staircase, surrounding a man with a cane.

Vincent let go of Mason and shot a cold smile toward the newcomer. "I knew you'd show your face."

The man with the cane grinned. "I see you're not surprised to see me,are you?"