Chapter 329

Vincent's lips curved faintly. "From the very beginning," he said quietly. "I told you-l had people in place."

His tone was calm, steady. "They've been here the whole time."

Back when Hannah had been trapped in that underground cage, Vincent had almost lost control.He'd been ready to send his men in, to tear the factory apart. But he had hesitated since he knew that would have terrified her. He refused to make the same mistake twice. Therefore, he'd forced himself to hold back and stay collected. Now, she was safe.Unharmed. And, more than that, she actually looked happy. It was the best outcome he could have hoped for.

Hannah stared at Vincent, caught off guard. Vincent's brow tightened as the silence stretched.Was she about to reject him? After everything, after fighting their way out of hell together, he didn't want her to put distance between them. At least not now. If she shut him out again, he wasn't sure how he'd handle it.

A sudden warmth rose in Hannah's chest. She didn't press for more. Instead, she turned to the women behind her, lifted her hand, and called out with bright energy, "Let's go, ladies. Time to get in the cars!"

The tension in Vincent's shoulders eased. Seeing her smile tugged one from him, small but genuine.He followed,lighter in mood than he'd been in days.

One of Vincent's bodyguards leaned toward another."Did l imagine that? I swear I saw Mr. Jones smile."

"You definitely imagined it," the other replied without hesitation. "He doesn't smile. Ever."

As the group of women approached, the bodyguards stepped forward, opening the car doors with respect. The women climbed into the warm, waiting vehicles.

Engines rumbled to life, and the convoy pulled out into the night.

After arranging housing for the women, Hannah finally returned home. Only then did the tension coiled in her body begin to loosen.

Margaret's heart clenched at the sight of her daughter's pale, weary face. She bustled into the kitchen, calling, "This trip must've drained you.I'll warm up some soup."

Raymond sat on the sofa, concern etched into his features. "Rough one this time?"

Hannah offered a faint smile. "A bit challenging, but it's all sorted now."

Just then, the doorbell cut through the moment,sharp and insistent.

Raymond rose to answer it. "Claude?" He was on in. Hannah just got back."

Claude strode in, his gaze locking onto Hannah instantly. His suit was slightly disheveled, dark shadows circling his eyes.

He crossed the room in swift strides, his voice tight with worry. "Hannah, where have you been these past few days? Your phone was off, no responses;I was worried sick!"

He reached for her hand. Hannah gently patted his,her touch soothing. "'I'm fine. Just had to deal with something out of town-bad signal." Her voice was soft,laced with exhaustion.

But Claude's expression remained taut, unconvinced."You and Vincent... What exactly had you been doing?" He leaned closer, his eyes piercing. "Word is a black-market factory got taken down tonight.Were you two involved?"

Hannah's heart skipped. The past few days had been a whirlwind, almost unreal. "Not much to tell," she said lightly. "We uncovered some key evidence and helped a few people in the process."

She kept her words vague, sidestepping the deeper truth.

Claude's jaw tightened, a chill settling over him.Her evasive tone, the lack of detail-it was clear she was holding back. He clenched his fists. She'd rather charge into danger with Vincent than trust him with the truth? In her heart, did he matter less?

Jealousy twisted in his chest, bitter and corrosive.

Silence blanketed the living room.

Raymond tried to shift the conversation to safer ground.

But Hannah was done. Her body ached, her mind foggy with fatigue. She pushed herself up, steadying against the table. "Claude, I'm wiped out. I need a shower and some rest."

She turned to her mother. "Mom, give Claude the soup. I just need to crash." Without glancing at Claude's hurt expression,Hannah walked to her room and closed the door.

Claude watched her go, his face darkening,emotions swirling until they settled into a deep, brooding quiet.

The next morning, Hannah felt refreshed. She passed Nina and the oter women's names to Meagan,tasking Meagan with arranging jobs. She also ensured each received a resettlement stipend.

With everything in motion, Hannah grabbed the bag of cosmetics, the critical evidence, and headed to the police station.

In the lobby, she spotted officers escorting Carville and his crew toward the detention level.

The factory and mine were officially shut down. It seemed the ordeal was finally over.

Gavin caught her eye and gave a respectful nod."Ms. Scott, good timing. Alice Dubois's case was closed two days ago. We tried to reach you, but you were already deep in your own investigation."

Hannah blinked, a flicker of confusion rising. If the case was closed, did that mean the culprit wasn't tied to Doreline Chemical Factory?