Chapter 283

Suddenly,a heavy silence fell over the room. All eyes went to Hannah.

As soon as Claude declared, "I'd marry Hannah tomorrow,"a sharp glint flashed in Vincent's eyes. He didn't bother looking at Claude. Instead, he fixed a frosty stare on Hannah. "Really eager to get married?"

His words sliced through the air, cold and biting

Heat rushed to Hannah's face, her cheeks burning in response to his challenge. She jerked her chin up, meeting his gaze with a mix of embarrassment and defiance. "Absolutely not."

Her voice wavered, betraying how rattled she felt.

Finally, Vincent shifted his focus to Claude, his tone cool and detached. "She's not in any rush."

Just five words, but each one landed like a subtle blow.

Claude sensed the subtle shift in Hannah's body as she stiffened beside him. He took a steady breath, tamping down his own irritation. Instead of losing his cool, he casually relaxed his hold on her, his posture easy. "Taking it slow has its perks,"he said smoothly. "Gives me longer to plan the most unforgettable wedding anyone's ever seen."

Silence settled once more.

Claude looked at Hannah, a gentle smile on his lips. "Because my girl deserves nothing less."

With Claude so close, speaking of grand gestures and lavish promises, Hannah couldn't help but feel awkward and flustered

promises,Hannah couldn't help but feel awkward and flustered.A swirl of emotions left her unsettled; Claude's performance as her "boyfriend" was starting to blur the line, leaving her genuinely confused.

Vincent's gaze remained locked on Hannah. To him, the way she lowered her eyes suggested an almost bashful excitement -a woman swept up by the idea of a grand wedding. The air around him seemed to crackle, simmering with a fury he fought to contain.

Claude caught sight of Vincent's stormy expression and let his own smile grow just a shade more pronounced. He turned to Hannah. "Come on, Hannah. Let's go."

She gave a small, affirmative nod. "Alright."

Claude kept his arm securely around her as he strode toward the door, confidence and pride trailing behind him like a victorious flag.

Hannah kept close, never faltering as they headed for the door.

But as they neared Vincent, she couldn't help buttense for just a heartbeat-still, she didn't stop or glance back.

"The contract." Vincent's voice cut through the room,cold and measured. "You're not interested in discussing it anymore?"

Hannah stopped in her tracks, glancing back over her shoulder with casual indifference. "Honestly, Mr. Jones, are you really in the mood to talk business right now?"

With that, she looked back ahead, walking out with Claude and leaving Vincent behind without a second thought.

The office doors swung shut behind them, sealing in the heavy,lingering silence.

Sharon leaned on her cane, her eyes lingering on the closed

1Sharon leaned on her cane, her eyes lingering on the closed doors as she exhaled softly. "Vincent, they truly do look good together." Then, after a pause,her voice grew quieter, heavier -with the weight of certainty. "You and Hannah... That Chapter is closed for good."

Her words fell with the weight of a verdict, shutting off any hope Vincent might've clung to.

Vincent jerked his head toward his grandmother. His face had darkened beyond anger, nearly pale with contained rage. His jaw was clenched so hard that the veins at his temples pulsed visibly. He opened his mouth, wanting to refute her words,but nothing came out. Words failed him as he couldn't think of a single thing to say.

Suddenly, a quiet knock shattered the tension.

Derek entered, looking grave. He made his way straight to Vincent,bending down to speak in a hushed tone. "Mr. Jones,we've found Ms. Stanton."

The heaviness in the room broke in an instant.

"Where is she?" Vincent's voice was ragged and sharp as steel.

"Rosevale," Derek answered, measured and calm. "In an old neighborhood-she's been renting a place there."

Sharon's whole demeanor changed in a flash. She straightened,her eyes wide with shock. "Erica is living somewhere like that?"Disbelief and worry colored her words. "Take me there. Right now."

Clutching her cane, Sharon hurried out of the office, Derek trailing behind.

Vincent stood there, alone in the office.

Outside, rain lashed against the windows, the world lost in a furious storm

A wild surge of emotions crashed over Vincent-rage from wounded pride, possessiveness burning hot, and a deep,twisting panic at the thought of losing Hannah forever.

With a violent sweep of his arm, he sent everything on his desk crashing to the floor. Glass shattered. Papers flew. Utter Chaos.

He braced both hands on the cold edge of the desk, his chest heaving as a choked, guttural roar of anguish ripped from his throat.

Vincent didn't bother waiting for his driver. He drove himself,making straight for Nova Tech. The moment he pulled up at the curb, he flung the door open and leapt out of the car.The downpour instantly drenched him, soaking him to the bone.

But before he could head inside, something caught his eye.Not far from the side entrance, in the temporary parking zone,he spotted Claude's car.

Through the half-lowered window on the driver's side, Vincent spotted Claude bending close to the passenger seat-moving in toward Hannah. The angle said everything. They were kissing.

The sight felt like a punch to the gut. The numbness vanished,replaced by a searing ache and a violent surge of helpless jealousy that devoured him whole.