Chapter 221

Erica's voice was gentle as she said to Vincent,"Your mother's already gone. I stayed because there's something I wanted to discuss with you."

She paused and then tossed out a question with practiced nonchalance. "So what kept you in the cemetery so long?"

Vincent avoided her eyes, answering simply, "We just talked for a bit."

Erica shifted her attention to Hannah, studying her carefully. "How are your eyes, Ms. Scott? I heard Vincent's brought in quite a few specialists to help."

Hannah kept her response crisp. "The surgery's set for next month."

A faint smile curved Erica's lips. "That's great news. Maybe now Vincent can stop torturing himself with guilt over your condition." She then changed the subject. "You've saved Vincent from a serious harm-I haven't even thanked you properly. Let me take you out for a meal sometime."

Hannah's reply was cool and direct. "That's not necessary. We're not that close."

Erica's smile faltered, a flash of awkwardness crossing her face.

Vincent, done with the conversation with Erica, gently guided Hannah toward the car and declared,′′Whave things to take care of. We'll be heading back now."

Before he could close the door, Erica quickly slid into the front passenger seat. "Mind giving me a lift? I just stuck my neck out for you and had a bit of a showdown with your mother."

Vincent's eyes dropped to the floor mats, but he didn't object. He indeed had something to discuss with Erica:

The limousine glided down the tree-lined avenue, Erica occasionally twisting around to make small talk with Vincent. He responded with little more than polite indifference, barely meeting her gaze. Erica noticed his lack of enthusiasm.

Soon, the limousine rolled to a stop in front of the villa.

Vincent quietly directed the caregivers to help Hannah out of the car, making sure they supported her every step. Meanwhile, Erica announced she wanted to step out of the car and have a good look at the place, but Vincent stopped her. "Erica, stay in the car. There's something I need to discuss with you."

With just the two of them left in the car, Erica felt a strange sense of excitement. Unable to hide her curiosity, she slid from the front passenger seat to join Vincent in the back. She flashed him a warm grin."It's easier to talk like this."

She angled her body toward him, eyes bright with anticipation."So, Vincent, what's on your mind?"

He hesitated for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, in a low, steady voice,he finally said,'"In 0month, I'll be leaving the country."

A subtle smile tugged at the corner of Erica's mouth as she quickly asked, "Is it a work trip? Do you want me to come along?"

His answer was crisp. "It's not a business trip. This time, I'll be gone for quite a while."

Her eyes brightened with hope. "So you've got a tough deal to close? I could go with you-help however you need. For years, you've shouldered the company's burden alone while I was away and couldn't do anything.But now I'm back, Vincent. Let me share the burden. You don't have to do it alone anymore."

She seized on the idea, unwilling to pass up her chance to get along with him alone.

He blinked and looked down to hide the shift in his expression. "I'll be abroad for at least three years,maybe longer.What I really need is for you to look after my grandma while I'm away. That would help more than anything."

The news blindsided Erica. "Three years? Are you planning to move there for good?"

A faint crease appeared between Vincent's brows."Don't press for details. I have things sorted out. Just help me take care of my grandma," he said, his voice low. Erica failed to keep her emotions in check, and they slipped into her voice. "If you go abroad, what about the company?"

"I'll oversee things remotely," Vincent replied flatly.

A sharp intuition gnawed at Erica. "Vincent, are you hiding something from me?"

His face remained impassive, eyes distant. "No."

The silence between them stretched, thick with things left unsaid. At last, Vincent broke it. "I'll have the driver take you home."

Erica composed herself, offering a smile. "We're already here. Aren't you going to invite me in fo a bit?"

"Hannah needs peace and quiet. Now's not a good timne," Vincent replied, stepping out of the car and leaving Erica behind, her hopes wilting in the backseat.

Once Vincent walked inside, he caught sight of Hannah laughing as she played with the water, the caregivers close by. It had been ages since he'd seen such unguarded joy on her face. For a fleeting moment, he stood frozen, captivated by her radiance.

She truly was beautiful-he'd always known, but moments like this made it unmistakably clear once more.

Claire observed with a quiet smile. "She looks like she's in a great mood today."

Vincent couldn't take his eyes off Hannah. "You think so?"

Claire replied with a gentle nod, "Absolutely. You really should take her out more."

Vincent glanced down, his expression unreadable, shadows flickering in his eyes.

The cool splash of water brought relief from the summer heat, and Hannah's laughter carried on the breeze.If only she could see the sunlight sparkling on the water, it would have been even more wonderful.

Lost in her play, Hannah didn't notice someone creeping up behind her until she suddenly collided with a solid chest.

Vincent's presence made the caregivers quickly halt the water hoses. "What's going on?" Hannah asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

The contact caused Vincent's entire frame to tense, his breath catching as words abandoned him.He stepped back, dazed, and then quickly turned to leave.

Hannah blinked, confusion settling over her.