Chapter 266

Derek continued cautiously, each word laced with urgency, "What I'm attempting to convey is that Mr.Jones tends to be... overwhelming in how he treats you, and at times, he could be quite stubborn-though he doesn't intend any damage. It's just... he lacks the ability to handle things appropriately.Especially when it comes to you. He always seems to handle things the absolute wrong way..."

Handled things the wrong way? Hannah fell into thought, unsure if she was really listening to Derek's words.

With a long inhale, Derek pushed forward. "Ms.Scott,could you please try to persuade Mr. Jones?"

A subtle flicker crossed Hannah's brow, but she gave no verbal reply.

Derek's words came faster, tension rising. "The injuries across his back are serious. The doctor

strongly recommended bed rest, as the wounds might otherwise scar and become easily infected. On top of that, jumping through the window left him with minor fractures and damage to his lungs, leaving him terribly fragile and needing recovery."

He gave her a short break to register the details."He's only been admitted for two nights, and the moment the fever reduced a little, even while still aching from the bones, he's been pushing himself to handle business matters. He's behaving recklessly,dead set on checking himself out and getting back to work. He won't listen to medical instructions,brushes off his grandmother and mother with just a 'I'm fine. And now he says he wants to dlischarge tomorrow!"

Derek's tone grew thick with desperation. "You know his temper, stubborn as a bull! Once he settles on something, nobody can stop him! His workload has been intense lately, and I worry he'll collapse again,like last time. That's why I'm pleading for your help;maybe he'll take your words seriously, even if only a little."

The car sank into stillness.

Hannah turned to the window, watching the street lights blur by. After what felt like minutes, she finally replied, her voice void of tone, like making a neutra observation, "Don't talk like he would listen to me.Besides, he and I are already no longer married."

She shifted slightly and suggested, "If he insists on leaving the hospital, have the doctor accompany him 24/7. That's the most practical route."

"Ms.Scott..." Derek tried one more time.

"Drop me off at the next intersection," Hannah instructed, pointing toward the illuminated signal ahead.

"Yes, Ms. Scott," Derek answered hesitantly, easing on the brakes.

The vehicle glided to a stop beside the curb.

Hannah undid her belt and reached for the handle.

Derek added softly before the door closed, "Ms.

Scott! The night the divorce was finalized, Mr. Jones sat alone in the study and drank until morning. When I cleaned up afterward, your name was carved deeply into the desk."

He murmured the words like they were meant for no one.

Hannah's motion halted for a second, her eyes clouded as if staring into space, her face unreadable.She offered no comment, stepped out, and walked forward without looking back, vanishing around the block.

Derek watched her vanish, breathing out slowly as the black Maybach merged into the moving traffic.

Hannah found herself in the grocery store, her steps inexplicably halting in the fresh produce section, her gaze involuntarily landing on the neatly packaged beans in the counter...

By the time she realized, she'd returned to her

doorstep, a full bag of veggies and ham in hand.

She brought the items toward the kitchen.

Her mother sat nearby, engrossed in a melodrama.She looked up in surprise when she saw Hannah getting ready to cook. "You're making food yourself,Anna? No takeout tonight?"

Hannah replied vaguely, "Mm."

She didn't smile as she walked into the kitchen and began preparing the meal.

Her mother, sensing the lack of cheer, figured she must be exhausted and said nothing else.

Inside the kitchen, the broth simmered steadily,the scent of the stew gradually filling the room.

Hannah stared into the pot, ladled a bit into a bowl,and took a taste. The spices were balanced, and the flavor had depth. Still, it feIt flavorless. The liquid caught in her throat, unwilling to go down.

With a scowl, she shoved the bowl away.

"Why should I care?" came a cold internal remark.

Hannah walked off for a bath and then lay down in bed afterward, eyes shut, feeling like each minute stretched forever.

She twisted beneath the covers. Derek's words about "discharging tomorrow" echoing in her mind.

She peeked at her phone-it read 11:00 sharp.

Suddenly, she bolted upright. With a quiet sense of defiance, she pulled on fresh clothes, picked a clean thermal flask, and poured in the hot broth, tightening thelid.

The warmth from the container pressed into her palm like a scald. Just returning a favor. That was it.Nothing more.

At Dorbarrow Hospital, Vincent rested against the headboard, a soft cushion supporting him. His face was tight with strain, fingers tapping lightly on the laptop keys, the monitor casting a blue hue over his pale complexion.

Hannah inhaled deeply, tapped twice on the door,and then entered without invitation.

Vincent's head snapped up at the sound, eyes locking onto the visitor. When he saw Hannah, his eyes slightly widened, fingers stilling.

"Am I not welcome?" Hannah asked, breaking the silence.