Chapter 354

Vincent offered no reply. Instead, he lifted his hand and tapped the air twice with precision.

The heavy metal door slid open without a sound.

Two well-trained guards slipped in swviftly, hauling multiple advanced computers paired with matching accessories. Their actions were sharp and precise. In under a minute, the devices were arranged, linked to power, and synced to the network. Then, just as quietly, they slipped out and closed the door behind them.

Hannah froze at the sudden sight of the computers, utterly taken aback. Her brows drew tight, suspicion and bewilderment clouding her gaze. Her tone carried a razor edge. "What's this supposed to mean,Vincent? You planning to work from here? Watching me around the clock?"

She assumed it was yet another form of Vincent exerting domination.

Vincent moved toward a laptop, his slender fingers moving swiftly across the keyboard. The screen lit up,revealing the login interface of Luminara Group's encrypted internal system.

His stare pierced directly into hers. "Who said it's for me? It's for you: You have talent. Brains. Rotting away in this room forever is a total waste. There are piles of documents and pressing projects at Luminara Group awaiting your analysis. Now you can handle them-remotely."

Hannah's chest gave a startled jolt. He'd thought of everything-even her work. So this was why he'd promised she could have anything within these walls.

She rose slowly, tracing her fingers along the edge of the computer. Vincent really was methodical.Calculated. Thorough.

Her head lifted suddenly, emotions flickering in her eyes. "You know perfectly well what I'm capable of. And yet you still cage me in here..." Her words trembled beneath biting sarcasm. A hollow laugh slipped out."Isn't it ridiculous?"

The air stiffened. Only the soft whirl of cooling fans lingered.

Vincent studied the storm churning behind her eyes. He held back, saying nothing for several seconds,Finally, he spoke, voice heavy, cold, and edged with certainty. "Listen carefully. You can work. But you are not to reach out to anyone. You are not to send a single distress signal. If I catch the slightest attempt-"

He advanced, his imposing height pressing down with force, eyes cutting with warning and control. "I'll cut off every connection. You'll be barred from the outside entirely. And I won't deliver one word about Luminara Group again."

Then, he turned, striding out without a backward glance.

The steel door sealed with a sharp click.

Now, only Hannah remained, surrounded by the glow of faint blue light spilling from the machines. What was that supposed to be? A threat? Her spirit hardened. She would never bend. Any moment to break free-she would claim it.

She neared one of the computers and took a seat. Her hand pressed the power key with unshaken resolve.

The monitor bloomed, showing the insignia of Luminara Group, awash in pale blue glow.

···

Meanwhile, inside the Jones residence, Sharon pressed her chest, her face pale as chalk. It was obvious the news articles Erica revealed had struck her deeply.

The online space swarmed with explosive lines like,"Jones Group CEO Hijacks Wedding, Seizes Bride Before the Crowd."

Danica's expression was stormy, lips drawn taut. Barely containing fury, she snapped, "Sharon, we have to drag Vincent back immediately. He must face us. If he wants theatrics, fine-but not this! What possessed him to snatch a bride in public? What humiliation does that bring on us?"

Erica hastily added, voice anxious,"Exactly! Vincent has gone too far. All this-for Hannah? He's gambled recklessly-our standing, the firm's reputation, everything! The media's ablaze. Shares are already taking the hit."

Sharon drew several ragged breaths, her trembling hand pointing at the screen. "Call him. At once. Tell him to come home-without delay!"

Danica balked at being the one to confront Vincent. Tension between them was already stretched thin.

Seeing her reluctance, Erica seized the phone and dialed. After repeated tries, Vincent finally answered.

The moment the line connected, Erica cut straight to the point. "Vincent, you have to return.Your grandmother has fallen ill from the stress your actions have caused."

His tone carried through, low and glacial. "Put her on the line."

Erica passed the device to Sharon.

Sharon's voice quivered, breath uneven. "Vincent, what possessed you? You went too far."

His reply flowed deep, calm,yet commanding. "Forgive me for causing you distress, Grandma. The stories-and every related trace-are already erased. Give it five minutes, and there won't be a single search result left. Any outlet daring to repost or fuel new gossip will be shut down completely. They're worthless clowns.Don't waste your strength on them."

His words carried merciless authority, overflowing with confidence, the sort of power that didn't require pretenses.