Chapter 365

The bodyguards had uncovered damning evidence against Erica and delivered it to Vincent.

After dinner, Vincent looked at Hannah, his voice steady and composed. "The bodyguards found evidence on Erica."

Hannah paused and then lifted her gaze. "Is it about my parents' car crash?"

Vincent nodded, his tone low and grave. "Yes. She paid off the driver and orchestrated it to look like a DUI. The targets were unmistakable."

Hannah slowly set her knife and fork down. A heavy silence hung between them for a few seconds before she spoke, her voice carefully neutral. "I suspected her involvement. But to think she was the one who actually had my parents killed..."

Vincent studied her-calm on the surface, but a storm raging beneath. Sympathy and anguish surged within him. All he could muster was: "I'm sorry for your loss."

His words carried the weight of mixed feelings.

Hannah met his gaze, her eyes resolute. "She may be your family, but I won't let her escape justice."

Without hesitation, Vincent nodded. "I've already handed everything over to the police. She'll face the consequences."

Hannah gave a slight nod, but her brows furrowed as a thought struck her. Her voice held a trace of skepticism. "Vincent, you and Erica... Is it really just family between you?"

Her tone was light, almost curious, but her eyes probed deeply."She despises me-enough to risk prison, enough to murder my She despises me-enough to risk prison, enough to murder my parents. That doesn't feel like something driven by familial loyalty."

Vincent held her steady gaze, a flicker of conflict passing over his face. He hesitated for only a moment before admitting, his voice low and firm, "She's been smitten with me. For years."

Hannah's expression shifted in an instant. Realization dawned,followed by a cold, sharp smile. "Of course," she said softly."That explains everything."

No wonder Erica had gone to such ruthless lengths to target her. The true motive behind it all was Vincent. A bitter thought emerged-had the past accusations, the sabotage, the threats ...all been Erica's doing as well?

Vincent saw the ice settle in Hannah's eyes. His chest tightened.He opened his mouth, eager to clarify-that he had never, not for a moment, reciprocated Erica's feelings.

But just then, his phone buzzed on the table, the screen illuminating with a new message.

He glanced down. It was from Erica. "Tomorrow, 11 a.m.-Warehouse 3, Westside Industrial Grounds. I'll tell you everything."

"What is it?" Hannah asked, her voice striking a perfect balance of concern and curiosity. She hadn't seen the screen clearly,but the sender's name-Erica-was unmistakable.

Vincent looked up and answered plainly, "Erica wants to meet.Says she has something important to tell me."

Hannah fell silent for a moment and then reached across the table, her hand closing firmly over his, her voice unwavering."Let me tag along."

"No," he replied instantly, the refusal automatic. It wasn't just a denial-it was instinct. He couldn't bear the thought of her

a denial-it was instinct. He couldn't bear the thought of her leaving the safety of this place, not for anything.

"Why not?" she countered, her voice rising with a hint of hurt."She orchestrated the crash that killed my father,Vincent. And now what-what else is she scheming? I deserve to know the truth."

Vincent's jaw tightened. He could see the pain blazing in her eyes.

But then her tone softened, still resolute but tinged with vulnerability. "I won't run," she said quietly. "Vincent,please-just trust me. Let me come with you."

Her hand remained on his, and he didn't pull away. He studied her face for a long moment, his lips pressed into a taut line.

Finally, under the weight of her gaze, he gave a small nod. "I'll take you."

A fleeting smile crossed Hannah's lips as she squeezed his hand gently. "Thank you."

Vincent didn't respond-just held her gaze, a question stirring in his mind. Would she really not run away from him again?

The next morning, Hannah and Vincent arrived at Westside Industrial Grounds precisely on time.

From the shadows of Warehouse 3, a figure emerged slowly.

It was Erica. Her eyes locked onto Hannah, and a sharp, bitter laugh escaped her.

"You brought her?" she sneered. "What's this? Wanting her to witness how completely you've discarded me? Or perhaps just letting her revel in my downfall?"

Vincent didn't take the bait. His expression remained impassive Vincent didn't take the bait. His expression remained impassive,but he stepped forward just enough to position himself protectively in front of Hannah.

Hannah, however, had no intention of staying in anyone's shadow. She stepped out from behind Vincent, meeting Erica's venomous stare with unwavering calm."Of course,he brought me," she said evenly. "You andI have unsettled matters."