Chapter 238
Hannah didn't give Vincent the slightest opening to speak. With a swift, elegant spin, she leaned away,just a hint of distance, yet it felt like she'd placed a canyon between them.
"And you want to talk about attentiveness?" Her tone shifted back to its former composure, though now it carried a frostier bite. "Mr. Jones, you've been navigating boardrooms for years. Surely you understand what really earns trust between partners."
Her eyes locked onto Vincent's, unflinching and bold."It's about respecting boundaries-knowing to stay out of someone's personal affairs. Not-" She paused pointedly, glancing at his possessive hold on her before letting her voice cut with cold sarcasm."Not masking interrogations as casual business chat.Not dragging your ex-wife into a public scene just to chase down nonsense rumors about her private life."
Vincent's eyes lit up as he caught the most important detail. "Wait, you and Miles aren't actually dating?"
A frown tugged at Hannah's brow. "Absolutely not."
Her days were packed from dawn till dusk that she barely had a moment to spare, let alone for romance.
She shot back her answer, firm and unwavering. It was enough to steady the turmoil inside Vincent. The tension in his expression eased. His furrowed brow relaxed.
As the music neared its end, Vincent stopped moving, but he didn't let go of Hannah's waist. They were close enough now to feel each other's breath.
Other couples danced on, but the two of them stood still, an island at the center of the floor.
Some in the crowd exchanged confused looks. "If that's all it is, a rumor, why not set the record straight?" Vincent's words came out in a rush, his breath mingling with hers.
They were far too close.
Hannah found herself unable to break free. She shot him a sharp glance and then gave a brittle laugh."Set the record straight?"
Her lips twisted into a chilly, practiced smile. "Mr.Jones, can't you see? I'm just starting out in business..."
Her gaze flicked to his arm, her words edged with a cool,matter-of-fact logic. "A little chatter and some harmless rumors-free publicity at its finest. What's the downside?"
She tipped her head, eyes glacial and remote."Isn't it the easiest,cheapest marketing there is?"
Vincent, however, replied seriously, "That's not true."His voice carried a note of sharp assessment.
Hannah's brows knit together. "Why?" Vincent dipped his head, a hint of an amused smile tugging at his lips. "You're after publicity, right? As your ex-husband and the head of Jones Group..." He let the words hang, almost daring her to challenge him. "Wouldn't getting involved with me be a far better headline than with Miles?"
Hannah stared at him, genuinely thrown, a crease deepening on her forehead. "Are you listening to yourself right now?"
Vincent pressed on as if he hadn't heard. "Think about it-a man branded as 'the ex-husband left behind by the new business queen. The tabloids would eat it up, and the buzz would be nonstop. You want a cost-effective way to boost your name? I'm the best marketing tool you've got." His smile broadened, as though he was pitching a flawless plan.
"So tell me-" Vincent's gaze locked on hers,lingering for emphasis. "You want to go ahead with faking a romance with me?" he asked.
What? Hannah froze, completely blindsided. Her eyes went wide, and her whole body stiffened in his arms. "Have you lost your mind?"
She couldn't fathom it. What was all this about playing the part of a scorned ex-husband, and how could Vincent even say something so ridiculous? And since when did the CEO of Jones Group get tangled up in gossip like this?
"I'm not losing it," Vincent replied, his deep voice putting a stop to her protest.
"But there's something worse-" His throat tightened as he spoke. "To watch the tabloids pair you with Miles, painting the two of you as if you're some perfect match... This is driving me insane!"
A flicker of hurt flashed in his eyes, as if old wounds had split open. He let out a slow, shaky breath. "Do you have any idea wvhat these last two months have been like for me?"
After their blow-up and he'd cooled down, he'd promised himself he wouldn't reach out. Just another woman, he told himself-he was likely to have no trouble moving on. Her sight had returned, and there was no more responsibility tying him down. They were divorced. They were supposed to go their separate ways.
For two months, he kept his word, refusing to call or message Hannah. He thought it would be a simple thing to move on from her. Instead,he caught himself scouring articles online, searching for any mention of their names together.
Even now, at the university celebration, he could have simply made a donation and skipped the event.But he came in person. Because he knew Hannah would be here. He couldn't explain what had compelled him, but the pull was impossible to ignore.
Hannah looked up at him, searching his face, her voice edged with disbelief. "Are you actually jealous?"
But how could Vincent be jealous because of her?