Chapter 218

Hannah leaned back and let her irritation show. "Then I'll take my gratitude back."

Vincent's gaze was locked on her. "Just think of it as getting some fresh air."

Vincent's thoughts wandered to the plans for tomorrow, and a shadow flashed through his eyes.

She tried to set boundaries. "I don't mind getting some air, but I'II go by myself."

A frown appeared on Vincent's face. "That's not happening."

With a sharp laugh, Hannah dismissed him. "Then don't even think about making me go." She had no desire to be alone with him.

Vincent said nothing, his gaze steady, and he let the matter rest for now.

But the next day, as Vincent was about to head out, he saw Hannah fumbling around the yard with her cane.His resolve hardened, and he forcefully pulled her toward the car.

Amid her struggle, her cane slipped from her grip, and panic washed over her.

Without missing a beat, Vincent picked up the cane and placed it in her hand, letting her catch her breath.

His movements softened as he carried her toward the car and gently settled her inside it. He had picked a stretch Lincoln so she would feel comfortable during the ride.

She figured out she was inside the car and snapped, "You're forcing me again!"

Vincent pulled a blanket over her lap. "This is the last time," he remarked.

Hannah leaned back, stubbornly turning her face away.

Although Vincent didn't say more, he kept glancing her way as the car moved on.

Time seemed to drag until finally, the car came to a stop. Vincent guided Hannah out of the car.

Hannah's heart started pounding in the unfamiliar setting. She clung to her cane and asked, "Where are we?"

Vincent answered simply, "We're at the cemetery."

Confusion crept across her face. "Why did you bring me to a cemetery all of a sudden?"

"Today is the anniversary of my father's death."

His words came out heavy and quiet. He longed for one last moment with his father before he might lose his own sight. And he wanted nothing more than to have Hannah by his side for this.

Hannah went quiet. Back when they were together, whether dating or married, Vincent always clammed up whenever she asked about his dad. Now, post-divorce, here he was, bringing her to his father's resting place. She nearly laughed at the irony but managed to keep her tone level. "We're not together anymore.I shouldn't be here."

Vincent dropped his gaze. "Just this once."

"No." Turning away, Hannah made for the car.

Vincent let her go without protest.

But once inside the vehicle, she realized the driver was fast asleep, snoring for all the world to hear.Now that she had lost her sight, every little sound felt magnified to her.

Barely two mninutes later, she stepped out of the car.

As she stood next to the vehicle, a faint noise caught her attention. Without thinking, she gripped her cane tightly and moved toward the stone steps. In that moment of fear, even being near Vincent, who usually got on her nerves, didn't seem so bad.

She inched forward carefully, but when her foot missed a step, her body pitched forward, off balance.

Vincent's arms caught her around the waist, drawing her in close. His voice rumbled right beside her ear."Careful!"

Reflexively, Hannah tried to pull away and nearly lost her footing again, but Vincent held her steady.

A moment later, she found her balance once more.

Vincent did not ask what changed her mind. Instead, he took hold of her wrist and led her up the steps,patient and unhurried.

He didn't ask, and Hannah didn't explain.

Eventually,they made it to a section of the cemetery. To their surprise, a few people were already waiting.

Vincent locked eyes with Erica and Danica.

"Vincent," Danica said, squeezing out a few fake tears. She'd known Vincent would visit his dad's grave today and had come early to see him.

Hannah recognized Danica's voice right away, and a knot tightened in her stomach.

Vincent's face was unreadable. "I don't want a fight in front of my father's grave."

Danica's eyes were red-rimmed, her voice shaky with calculated emotions. "I've been crying nonstop since you left, Vincent. I know I messed up." She turned to Hannah. "You came too, Hannah. I want to apologize I'm sorry for what I did. I never should have slipped those infertility drugs to you. Please forgive me." She clutched Hannah's hand, sounding seemingly sincere.

A wave of revulsion ran through Hannah, and she quickly pulled her hand away, her expression turning cold.

It was clear to Hannah that Danica's sudden apology was only because Vincent had confronted her abou the drugs.

Without hesitation, Vincent stepped in front of Hannah, his voice firm. "Keep your hands off her."

His words stunned Danica, and Erica shifted uncomfortably, a sour feeling twisting in her gut.

Hannah wiped her hand, her expression blank as a slate.

Vincent's tone stayed hard. "If you really felt bad, you wouldn't be waiting here for me. This is all abou wanting me to step in for your brother,right?"

Her motives exposed, Danica faltered for a bit and then broke down in tears, hoping to sway Vincent."Vincent, his company's been seized, and now he's in custody. He's your uncle, almost sixty years old, for Christ's sake! How can you just let him rot in jail?"

A cold look settled on Vincent's face. "How does it concern me in any way? He brought this upon himself."

Danica dropped to her knees, desperate. "I'm begging you, Vincent. If your dad were still around, he would never want this..."

Vincent narrowed his eyes and cut her off. "Don't you dare mention my father's name! You really think I don't know how he died?"

Hannah's heart skipped with surprise, though she kept her expression neutral.

Danica went still, her voice trembling. "N-no. It's not me. I never hurt your father."

Her eyes darted away, avoiding Vincent's piercing stare.

Vincent's gaze was cold as steel. "You know the truth better than I do."