Chapter 393

The blaze within Claude's gaze dimmed faintly.

"Claude, if you stand behind Victoria and leverage the Hobbes family's connections and resources, Vincent will catch on,"Hannah remarked evenly, her tone measured with precision."He's aware of our closeness-he'll begin prying."

Her last sentence gratified himn. "Fine. We'll follow your plan."His stare held on her, both steady and burning, his voice hushed yet laced with subdued contentment.

Days afterward, Derek stormed into the Jones Group's top-floor executive office, thrusting a tablet forward with urgency carved into his face.

"Mr. Jones," he panted, his delivery weighted by astonishment and severity, "Luminara Group has just released an emergency statement. They announced that, under overwhelming operational strain and unforeseen impacts, founder Ms. Hannah Scott has resolved to relinquish her entire stake and commence a complete takeover arrangement. The board has already offered preliminary approval!"

Though Vincent was no longer confined to the hospital, pallor lingered on his complexion. His gaze skimmed the statement,and upon landing on the bolded line-"founder Ms. Hannah Scott has resolved to relinquish her entire stake"-his grip tightened until the device strained beneath his whitened knuckles.

"She's actually choosing to sell Luminara Group," Vincent whispered hoarsely. "She would rather surrender it than return to me..." It was painfully clear. She rejected coming back and owering herself, even for the preservation of her company

lowering herself, even for the preservation of her company Her determination was unyielding.

An immense weight of loss and frustration surged through him,stripping him hollow. He'd once believed he could compel her to return. Instead, he had only driven her to sever every last tie For the first time, he'd faced the chilling truth that he might have irretrievably lost her.

Standing nearby, Derek could sense the storm of anguish and reined rage emanating from Vincent. Cold perspiration traced his temples.

Tentatively, Derek asked, subdued and cautious, "Mr. Jones,shall we maintain the suppression initiative?"

Silence.

Moments later, Vincent's frigid response fractured the quiet "No." With Hannah gone, there was no point in crushing Luminara Group any further.

"Track her," Vincent commanded, his tone low and unyielding."Exhaust every channel."

Derek inclined his head. "Yes."

At an elite cosmetic surgery and recovery center, Erica had just concluded her first surgery.

Her attending surgeon detailed the situation. "Ms. Stanton,natural foundation is excellent. To replicate Ms. Scott's craniofacial profile, you'll require no fewer than seven additional core operations, along with refinements and fillers...Accounting for tissue repair, nerve acclimation, and functional adjustment, the total course will extend at least thirteen months."

Thirteen months? The muscles around Erica's lips twitched Thirteen months? The muscles around Erica's lips twitched faintly beneath the wrappings. "That's acceptable, Thirteen months is trivial. I can endure it."

Thirteen months was nothing compared to the years she'd spent waiting for Vincent. Moreover, she had learned that Hannah had already slipped away from Vincent's grasp. With Claude's aid, Vincent would struggle to locate Hannah anytime soon. Thus, she only needed to practice patience, let the plastic surgeries transform her appearance, and then appear by Vincent's side.

And more than that, she still had Logan with her. He was both her solace during this long recovery and her substitute for Vincent in her relentless training to imitate Hannah perfectly.She anticipated it-the unveiling after thirteen months. By then,Vincent would cherish her exactly as he cherished Hannah.

A year later, within one of Dorbarrow's most prestigious private venues, Vincent stood at the core of a circle of powerful associates.

Clad in a tailored dark ensemble, he appeared leaner than a year prior. A wine glass rested lightly in his grasp, a detached curve faintly shaping his mouth as he fielded praises and probing remarks. Yet, his gaze stayed frosted and remote,sweeping the assembly with the demeanor of a sovereign indifferent to all.

But then, from the edge of his vision, a slender silhouette in a pale-gold mermaid gown seized his notice. That outline-was it Hannah?

Vincent's chest clenched as if seized by ice, his heartbeat arrested in an instant. "Pardon me." The words snapped out,harsh and clipped, cutting off one of his associates mid-sentence. Forcing through the cluster without pause, Vincentbushed aside startled glances and strode quickly toward the figure. A year of suppressed fixation surged beneath his exterior calm;he nearly lunged forward.

Just as that figure neared the exit, his hand shot out and clamped her wrist with sudden force. She spun, startled.

Their gazes collided.

Vincent's stare locked on that visage. It was indeed Hannah.

Erica, her appearance transformed into a spitting image of Hannah through plastic surgeries, restrained the triumphant smile tugging her lips, but her eyes gleamed with elation. "At last, Vincent..." she exulted silently. Everything had unfolded according to her design. This meeting was flawless.