Chapter 241

Hannah's victory was nothing but the result of her own lovesick determination. Back then, she'd thrown herself into golf solely for Vincent-blowing through her savings on private lessons,only to face his rejection of her advances every single time.

At first, she'd only wanted to master the basics. But Vincent's infuriating indifference had driven her to hammer ball after ball down the fairway, turning every swing into an outlet for her frustration. Before she knew it, her persistence had transformed her into a natural.

After the contract was signed without a hitch, Hannah made to leave, but Claude insisted on giving her a ride back. No matter how many times she declined, he simply wouldn't take no for an answer. So, she found herself gliding through the city in Claude's glossy black luxury car as it cruised toward Sterling Heights.

Hannah leaned her head back and shut her eyes, quietly resting while Claude stole glances at her from the driver's seat.

The car eventually rolled to a gentle stop at her building.

"I'm home. Thank you-really." Hannah unclipped her seatbelt,hand already on the door handle.

Claude had already stepped out, the perfect gentleman,swinging the car door open with a practiced flourish.

Hannah slid out, standing across from him just as a soft breeze swept past, carrying a tiny leaf that settled in her hair.

Claude's eyes immediately caught the stray leaf. He lifted his hand on instinct, but before his fingers brushed her, Hannah's

hand on instinct. but before his fingers brushed her. Hannah's gaze flickered upward-she unconsciously edged away from him.She'd lost the habit of accepting his casual tenderness. Those easy, wordless moments between them were relics of a childhood closeness now buried by years apart.

Claude's hand faltered, hovering awkwardly mid-air. Was she avoiding him? For a heartbeat, disappointment and unspoken frustration tightened his handsome features. Was she really so guarded with him now?

Instead of retreating, Claude pressed on, his movements brisk and deliberate as he deftly plucked the leaf from her hair. He spoke quietly, his voice tight with suppressed anger as he twirled the leaf between his fingers. "It's just a leaf. It landed in your hair."

Hannah offered him a courteous, distant smile. "Thank you,

Claude."

She was ready to leave when Claude's question cut through the air. "Have you held it against me all these years?"

A shadow crossed Claude's eyes.

Hannah met his gaze, steady and unflinching. "That's all behind us now, Claude." There had been bitterness once, back when they'd gone their separate ways, but she'd let it go.

"My parents must be so happy seeing how well you're doing these days," she added, her expression softening into a genuine smile.

Claude felt a stir in his heart. He pressed his words gently but firmly. "Anna, please send my regards to them. Don't forget...We're still family."

"I will," Hannah promised, her voice steady as she turned around and walked off.

Derek lifted the leaf to his nose, inhaling the faint scent of her

Derek lifted the leaf to his nose, inhaling the faint scent of her hair-an intimate memory that sent a sharp ache through him.A beat later, he crushed the brittle leaf in his palm, the gesture tight and resolute, shadows falling across his face. What happened just now was nothing more than an inconsequential Chapter. Surely, he and Hannah could find their way back to how things used to be. They had to. 1

Inside a car parked nearby, a soft metallic flick broke the silence as a lighter snapped open somewhere in the shadows.

The rear window of the sleek SUV glided down a crack,letting in the night air.

Vincent snapped the lid shut on his polished silver lighter, the gesture oddly final. He should have gone home, but instead,he'd told Derek to drive to Hannah's apartment complex.

From the darkness, Vincent had watched everything play out.His control had wavered-emotion surging in his chest,threatening to drown out reason. He knew the man on sight: Claude, the sharp-eyed new director of Fontaine Galleria.

Hannah had spoken to Claude-used his name, her voice carrying just enough warmth to make Vincent's hands clench in his lap.

Vincent was simmering with frustration. Hannah was always quick to accuse him of being swarmed by women, but in truth,she never lacked male admirers herself. First Felix, and now Claude-her ever-changing circle was nothing short of impressive.

Vincent had sorted out his relationship with Hannah, at least that was what he thought. He told himself it wasn't jealousy knotting his chest. The root of his volatility was their divorce That was why he'd crafted a reconciliation proposal, biding his time, searching for the right moment to hand it over.

If his previous attempts at remarriage had been for the sake of

If his previous attempts at remarriage had been for the sake of his grandmother's wishes, this time, he wanted it for himself.Remarrying could set everything back on track.

Yet,the proposal stayed tucked away, undelivered. The scene he'd just witnessed had thrown his hard-won composure into chaos all over again.

Derek, unsteady from his fever, caught sight of Vincent's stormy expression and ventured, "Want me to go get her?"

Since returning from medical leave, Derek had shadowed Vincent day and night, privy to the reconciliation proposal tucked away, waiting for its moment.

The ex-couple hadn't contacted each other in over two months, which had made things tough for Derek. He was forced to update Vincent on Hannah's every move. By now,he could have drawn a map to her apartment from memory.

But Vincent stayed silent, eyes distant.

"Mr. Jones?" Derek tried again, voice tentative.

Vincent's throat bobbed in the rearview, his reply clipped."Let's go."

Claude slightly turned his body, watching the luxury SUV drive away. A dry,amused laugh escaped him. "So that's Anna's ex-husband. What are the odds... I bet his expression is a sight to behold."

With a flick of his wrist, Claude seized another leaf and crushed it between his fingers, the veins snapping beneath his grip.