Chapter 418

At the Jones family estate, Sharon had deliberately invited "Hannah" over for dinner and had also insisted that Vincent join them.

After Vincent ended his conversation with Derek on the phone, his eyes stayed locked intensely on "Hannah."

Erica, noticing Vincent's stare from the edge of her sight, savored his attention.

Sharon clasped her hand and turned toward Vincent. "Vincent, during my stay in the hospital, Hannah came nearly every single day to look after me. After dinner, you should definitely thank her properly."

"Sharon, it was the least I could do. If not for me, you never would have been abducted." Erica's features carried a hint of measured regret.

Sharon cast her a sideways look and murmured,"Why bring that up again? That Chapter is already closed."

Erica was about to say more when Vincent abruptly rose to his feet.

His sudden motion caused a teacup on the nearby table to topple. The clatter rang out sharp and clear.

Both Sharon and Erica flinched at the noise.

"What's wrong?" Sharon's gaze shifted to Vincent. "What's troubling you? You seem unwell."

Erica also got to her feet, her expression etched with worry, and asked, "Mr. Jones, have you not been resting enough?"

Vincent forced down the storm inside him. His words were frosted. "I have something to attend to. I'll be leaving now."

Sharon quickly called after him,′′Vincent! What's the rush? Can't you stay for dinner? Hannah finally comes to join us for dinner." She kept giving Vincent meaningful looks.

"Sharon, it's fine. Mr. Jones surely has his own matters to deal with," Erica said. Her demeanor shifted into something tangled yet gentle as she turned toward Vincent. "But since I'm here, there's a favor I hope you can grant me."

Vincent halted, a crease appearing across his brow, and replied,"Go on."

Erica drew a steadying breath, as though summoning bravery, her tone laced with unease and hope."Could I join your company? I'd accept any position, even the most modest."

She inclined her head slightly, her voice weighted with a delicate, measured mix of sorrow and entreaty."I've been back such a long while already. I cannot remain without work."

At once, Sharon chimed in with a cheerful smile,′′Certainly, Hannah, after everything you've been through,and after being away more than a year, it'sonly right we support you. Vincent, arrange her in a comfortable position.Don't overwork her!"

Erica gave a faint smile. She intended to work at his company to get closer to him. This was her second step. With Sharon's compassion and urging, she bet Vincent had no grounds to deny her.

Yet, Vincent's expression stayed unreadable, his gaze chilling further."What about Luminara Group?"

Erica's heart tightened at his remark, and she answered swiftly with a strained smile, "Luminara Group is no longer mine.Everything is different now. Returning there holds no vaue."

Vincent then asked, "I assumed you would approach Claude for assistance."

Erica remained composed, her explanation already prepared. "Claude is caught in his own trouble. I don't wish to burden him."

"Noted." Vincent gave no promise, delivering her a long, penetrating look.

Without another glance, he strode toward the door.

"Vincent! Vincent! WVhy must you be in such haste?" Sharon shouted after him Erica grew pensive. She had expected he wouldn't grant an immediate answer. What captivated her instead was where he was dashing off to in such urgency.

After a moment's hesitation, Erica excused herself to place a call. She moved into a secluded corner to dial Derek's number. Derek, being Vincent's trusted aide, should know Vincent's destination.

The line connected almost at once.

"Hello? Ms. Scott?" Derek's voice came through, distant yet courteous.

"Derek, Vincent left so quickly just now, and he didn't look well. His grandmother feels uneasy and asked me to check where he went. Did he head back to the company?" Erica used Sharon's name, keeping her tone steady and casual.

On the other end, Derek hesitated, ultimately choosing concealment, and replied evenly, "Mr. Jones proceeded to the Luminara Group to manage urgent company business. An essential project document required his direct involvement. Please tell Mrs. Jones she needn't be anxious."

Luminara Group again? Erica frowned. Her chest tightened as realization struck. There must be something deeper.

She ended the call and at once rang Claude.

The connection was immediate.

"Claude, anyone special working at the Lumninara Group?" Erica's voice trembled with unmistakable tension and dread. "Vincent just stormed out of the Jones family residence and rushed to the Luminara Group."