Chapter 245

Most days, if Hannah had heard Vincent talk like that, she would have lost her patience right away and thought he was butting in again. But today, in a surprisingly good mood,she found herself with more patience than usual.

With a spark of interest, she asked, "Why do you ask? Did you have an issue with Claude? Did he offend the Jones Group?"

A flicker of tension appeared along Vincent's jaw, while something stormier darkened his eyes. "In business, clashing interests are just part of the game," he replied, letting his voice drop to something low and intense. "The real reason is..."

He paused, either searching for the right words or trying to push down whatever was swirling inside him.

Suddenly, his thoughts jumped to Claude gently brushing a stray leaf from Hannah's hair, and the soft way she called his name.

"He's standing too close," Vincent finally remarked, his voice rough,letting out the vaguest answer.

His roundabout response struck Hannah as funny, so her curiosity took a lighter turn. She turned to him with eyes that sparkled. "Then tell me, Mr. Jones, how much space do you consider safe? Is this far enough?"

She paused,moving in a step, her gaze flicking to the tension in his jaw. "Or this distance?"

"All too close," Vincent murmured, barely loud enough to hear,grinding the words out between his teeth.

"Really?" Hannah looked genuinely entertained, and a bright,chilly smile stretched across her lips. Instead of pulling away,

chilly smile stretched across her lips. Instead of pulling away,she leaned a bit closer, using the moment to meet his eyes."So, Mr. Jones, you're aware this is crossing the line?"

Drawing out her words on purpose, she let every syllable hang in the air. "I still remnember the ball that night. You wouldn't let go of my waist the entire time we danced. Every spin brought your nose right up to my ear, and with each step, your breath warmed my skin. Why didn't you think that was too close at the time?"

Her eyes grew sharper, throwing his double standards right back at him.

Vincent didn't flinch. "That's a different situation," he replied.lt was true. Dancing did mean being up close

But what he forgot was that he had claimed her as a dance partner precisely because of the close contact between her and Miles.

Hannah replied without missing a beat, "No, it isn't different."

That night, she'd felt like his captive, his arms locking her to his chest. So close that there was hardly any space left between them.

Vincent sidestepped the topic of the ball, starting anew. "Even with a safe distance, anyone can cross it if they want to. One step is all it takes, especially when you have no idea where the other person's boundaries are."

"Claude isn't like that," Hannah retorted, lifting her chin, her confidence steady and unshaken. "I know I'm not wrong about him. He would never hurt me. I trust him on that."

Even if years had passed since they last spoke, she valued the connection they'd built together as kids.

Vincent pressed his lips into a hard, cold line, watching her closely. He meant only to warn her, yet she had so much faith

closely. He meant only to warn her, yet she had so much faith in that man.

Without letting him say anything else, Hannah took charge, her voice calm once more. "The meeting is over, so if you'll excuse me,Mr. Jones."

While she spoke, she moved toward the meeting room door.She had just turned the handle when Miles appeared, ready to walk in.

Stopping for a moment, she asked, "Mr. Whitaker, did you need something from me?"

Miles answered with a shake of his head, "No, I'm actually here to see Mr. Jones."

"| see." It became clear to her that Vincent had been waiting for Miles. She offered Miles a brief nod before making her way out of the room.

Miles stayed by the doorway, watching Hannah as she walked away, his mind lost in thought. He realized Vincent must have sent him out earlier just to speak with Hannah alone. Turning to Vincent, he asked, "Did you get everything sorted out?"

Vincent continued to gaze out the floor-to-ceiling window."Yes."

Miles stayed put, not coming any farther into the room. "Shall we head out?"

"Who is Claude to Hannah, really?" Vincent asked, not turning around, his mood clearly heavy.

With a faint frown, Miles replied, "I believe I already told you.He's in charge of Fontaine Galleria, and he's working with Ms.Scott through a partnership agreement."

"You're sure it's nothing more than business?" Vincent asked,pushing for more.

Miles didn't say anything in response.

"Let's go," Vincent said, leaving the meeting room with Miles.