Chapter 272

Vincent's gaze stayed fixed on Hannah-her expression hinted she hadn't expected Claude's arrival, yet she didn't shy away either.

The pressure in Vincent's fists turned his knuckles pale as stone. Just for a heartbeat, the urge to stride over and yank Hannah from the scene pulsed strongly.

Yet, a lifetime navigating boardrooms had forged in him an eerie composure that masked even the fiercest fury. He touched the concealed earpiece,tone frosty. "Move in. Quietly. No one's to be alerted."

In an instant, members of Vincent's undercover protection detail mobilized with quiet efficiency. Two of them seamlessly joined the on-site officers to assist in maintaining order, ensuring the three

troublemakers had no chance to cause further disturbance.

Simultaneously, another squad assumed unobtrusive control of the cloth specimens' custody-securing the delivery and erasing any chance of interference.

Several others, outfitted to mimic ordinary cleaning staff, began wiping away the strange ebony fluid scattered across the shop floor.

Taking it all in, Hannah figured Claude had been behind the extra help.

The entire maneuver was executed with unflinching accuracy and barely a ripple of interruption.When the lead agent returned with a flat, "Task complete,"Vincent gave a slight inclination of approval. "Good.Pull back."

"Yes."

Throughout this whole incident, Hannah had taken on the livestream solo. From aesthetic vision to garment structure, she spoke with clarity and grace,

drawing the attention of the viewers without missing a beat.

The live stream concluded with the clock ticking past ten at night.

Claude hadn't lingered for long and had already departed, called away by a sudden job demand.

Left to handle closing duties alone, Hannah briefly felt her legs weaken-not just from fatigue, but the emotional weight of the entire ordeal. She steadied herself quickly, keeping her face composed,though Vincent-still watching-caught the moment.

Then, a thick male coat landed around her shoulders,its familiar scent unmistakable.

She stiffened. The coat had come from behind, and she hadn't noticed anyone getting near.

At that same beat, a branded paper bag was gently placed beside her, pristine and white flats tucked inside.

Jolted,she turned fast-only glimpsing a tall man in

dark leisurewear merging swiftly into the crowd.Vincent? When had he arrived?

Suppressing the surprise, she wrapped up the work with the store staff and departed without a word.

Back in her apartment, she let the steaming water of the shower soothe her muscles, easing away the tension bit by bit.

Only afterward did she reach for her mobile device.

Online, the tide had turned. The rumors-about "toxic" lingerie and "her advancing her career with physical appeal"-were now being drowned beneath applause. Users praised her for handling everything with professionalism, calmness, and class.

A gentle but rare pride unfurled within Hannah.

Until a familiar name on the trending headline grabbed her gaze-Claude.

Blinking in surprise, she tapped the headline. Every word hit like a dropped match in dry grass. Claude had publicly declared they were romantically

involved.

More confused than anything, Hannah froze. That wasn't his usual style.

With zero delay, she dialed his number.

The connection was instant.

"Hannah, are you home?" Claude's voice carried a hint of smile.

"| saw your post." Hannah didn't beat around the bush. "Why did you post such a lie?"

There was a brief silence on the other end. When he finally spoke again, his voice had deepened. "The way the netizens said about you... That was too harsh. I couldn't stomach it any longer."

He paused and then added plainly, "I have discussed options with my PR team, and this blunt move is the most effective way to quell those baseless rumors."

His explanation was calm and rational.

Hannah wasn't sure how to respond.

Silence stretched between them.

After a pause, Claude added carefully, "Five years of people calling you a mistress or worse. I've had enough."

During those five years, he'd dedicated himself to chasing the Hobbes succession. At that time, he could only sit by, unable to offer any substantial help to Hannah. But now, the game had shifted. Now,he had the power to shield her from any harm.

The words landed somewhere deep inside Hannah.And just like that, the truth became clear to her.Claude's post was a subtle way of defending her reputation. A public stand against the injustice she'd suffered as Vincent's hidden wife, mislabeled as Vincent's kept woman. Claude was livid on her behalf. And he refused to stay quiet.

Warmth spread through Hannah's chest, slow but steady. She took a breath and softened her tone."Claude,that Chapter's closed."

She paused, her voice firmer this time. "But still-

thank you."

As she resumed browsing the rest of the comments,a sudden thought struck her.