Chapter 234

Vincent's expression darkened further.

Erica got ahead of Vincent, moving toward Hannah's circle with an easy grin. "Mr. Whitaker, Ms. Scott, it's been such a long time!"

Hannah stopped mid-sentence, glanced at Erica,and resumed her discussion with Miles, unfazed.

Miles had never met Erica and didn't acknowledge her presence.

Felix sensed the strange tension and asked,"Hannah, are you familiar with her?"

Hannah answered like it was obvious, "No."

Hannah casually scanned the group trailing behind Erica, her eyes briefly locking with Vincent's. She looked away, cool as ice.

.Vincent caught the coldness in her look, and his features tightened.

From a distance, Connor noticed Hannah and approached with energy. "Hannah, you're here!Wonderful to see you! Time's flown. You and Vincent -both doing great! I remember those days under the oak tree..."

Hannah cut him off, her tone polite but firm. "Mr.Todd,you're too kind."

She lifted her gaze and collided with Vincent's shadowed stare.

Connor continued enthusiastically, "Vincent, you see,Hannah's been making waves lately! I read her feature in that finance piece. Incredible work!"

Vincent gave a brief nod, his presence strong but remote, his reply monotone. "Yeah, I caught that too."

Vincent's eyes returned to Hannah, and a subtle grin emerged as he addressed her, "Ms. Scott, congrats. Your company's on a roll."

In just two months, Hannah had shown serious guts and drive.

Hannah replied politely yet distantly, "Thank you."She turned to look at Connor. "The business owes a lot to my two co-founders."

Hannah introduced Felix to Connor and pulled Miles into the conversation.

Erica stood off to the side, irritated that Hannah was praised. Unable to hold back, she jumped in. "Ms.Scott, your name is everywhere lately. Such a powerhouse! Partnering with those two sharp minds -impressive! But overworking leads to burnout. You push so hard-it must be draining! Maybe consider settling down with someone like Mr. Whitaker-young and accomplished."

The mood shifted instantly. Miles finally turned toward Erica, disdain etched across his face. Felix's demeanor also soured. Connor and the faculty nearby sensed the growing discomfort.

Vincent furrowed his brow, sending Erica a hard,measuring stare.

Before Hannah could reply, Vincent spoke with chilly precision."Erica."

Erica bit down on her tongue, furious. She'd always hated it when Vincent used "auntie," but now,hearing her name brought no comfort. His tone was a clear order to zip it.

Hannah reacted like Erica had told a bad joke. Her gaze drilled into Erica, not with rage, but like someone observing something beneath notice. "Ms.Stanton? If memory serves, this is our third encounter?"

Her voice stayed composed, but each syllable cut."Your obsession with my career and personal life? It's crossing a line. And whether ambition wears me down? That's for me to decide. What I do know is building my own career beats hoping for a man's charity."

Hannah dragged out her next words, her tone biting.

"And it seems to me that your unsolicited advice suits you better since you've got nothing better to do than trying to meddle in my life. Maybe find someone to tie the knot with. With your mindset, I doubt you can achieve anything at work."

"You..." Erica stood there, words failing her. Feeling the judgmental glances from the nearby crowd, she silently balled her fists.

Erica straightened up, firing back with forced calm,"Ms. Scott, getting personal like that? That's a low blow."

Hannah, mid-turn and her gown lifted, halted and glanced. back, brow slightly knit. "Please use Ms.Scott." Her stare was cutting, and her tone brooked no challenge. "Low blow? I didn't throw the first one."

Erica didn't move, locked in place and fuming.

Hannah ignored Erica and turned to Felix. "Let's go inside."

Vincent's gaze stayed glued to Hannah, so intense that he forgot to chew out Erica. Hannah fully embodied the fierce reputation she'd earned in the media.

Miles leaned toward Vincent, speaking quietly. "Mr.Jones,thank you."

Miles was grateful for the behind-the-scenes cash and resources Vincent had funneled to Polaris Tech.

"No thanks needed. I'm just an investor." Vincent hadn't shown favoritism, but HHannah's brilliance had shattered every bar he'd set. She was exceptional.