Chapter 419

On the opposite side of the call, Claude, who had been sprawled lazily across the sofa, abruptly straightened his posture. The ease on his features disappeared at once, replaced by an icy and dangerous glare. "What? Vincent is heading to Luminara Group? Now?"

Erica quickly affirmed,"Yes."

"Who exactly is in Luminara Group?" Her apprehension mounted, pushing her to press again in urgency.

With a shadowed face, Claude responded, "Hannah works there."

"What? Why does Hannah work in Luminara Group, and why have you failed to keep her in check?" Erica's tone shot upward, sharpened with blame.

Claude's voice shifted into a severity never shown before, edged with warning. "Erica! Mind your words!Hannah has the freedom to be wherever she chooses, and it has nothing to do with you! Just handle what lies in front of you!"

Shaken by Claude's sudden rebuke, Erica was forced into sharp awareness by the frost and command in his words. The priority at this moment was resolving the current crisis.

"What's our next move? Vincent is already en route! Once he uncovers the truth, all our efforts will be in vain," she reminded him.

"Be silent!" Claude steadied himself, his thoughts racing furiously. "Now hear me! Get to Luminara Group without delay! Do everything possible to keep Vincent from reaching Hannah."

Claude ended the call, seized his car keys, and set out for Luminara Group. To ensure nothing went wrong,he planned to take Hannah away.

This predicament differed entirely from the previous confrontation in the private room; within the Luminara Group, Vincent could certainly recognize Hannah. That was an outcome Claude could not permit. ******

Meanwhile, just as the workday was nearing its close, a sudden storm was unleashed. And the downpour showed no intention of easing even after work hours.

Hannah lingered in the lobby by the revolving doors, a faint crease marking her brow as she studied the sheets of rain outside. Her vehicle had been taken for servicing two days earlier, leaving her without it today.

On the display of her phone, the ride-hailing app read: "152 people ahead in queue, estimated wait time exceeding 1 hour." She exhaled lightly, slipped the phone into her pocket, and allowed her gaze to drift over the other staff stuck in the lobby.

Several young women from different sections gathered, scrolling idly on their screens and muttering complaints about the storm and the endless delay for transportation.

Their stares occasionally flicked toward Natalie, carrying blatant judgment, intrigue, and a trace of jealousy mixed with contempt. The tale of Natalie's swift promotion to supervisor and the removal of Leonard had spread through the company like wildfire.

A fresh recruit who had climbed so quickly in under a month and drawn the "favor" of Adrian, the Vice President, was perfect fuel for chatter. Stories of Natalie's powerful ties and an unseen backer had long been created and distorted in break rooms and whispered chats.

"Ugh, this rain is unbearable! When will we even manage to get a ride?" Colleen Kyle from the Marketing Department deliberately lifted her voice, casting a glance in Natalie's direction.

"Exactly, it's maddening! I should've asked my boyfriend to fetch me!" Esme Bauer from the Finance Department followed up, her tone carrying a boasting edge.

Colleen's lips twisted into a sneer as she turned fully toward Natalie, raising her voice with an imitation of concern and curiosity. "Ms. Preston! With rain coming down like this, isn't your husband arriving to take you home?"

She stressed the word "husband," her gaze glittering with challenge and a flicker of malicious delight.

Hannah slowly pivoted upon hearing it. She refrained from replying at once, calmly nudging her black- framed glasses higher on her nose.

"I'm not married." Her words were crisp and even, stripped of inflection. "I've ordered a ride."

"Oh? Not married?" Colleen dragged out the syllables, feigning astonishment while trading looks with the women at her side, the derision on her face deepening. "Well, well... Then, Ms. Preston, why not have your boyfriend come for you?"

Their curiosity and envy about Natalie's supposed shadowy benefactor, who never appeared, spilled into their stares.

"Yes, Ms. Preston!" Esme echoed with mock sweetness,"lnrain like this, letting you wait alone shows how thoughtless he is, doesn't it?"

Hannah remained composed. "I don't have a boyfriend."

The employees from other departments exchanged glances, several stifling quiet laughter.

Esme abruptly raised her voice so the entire lobby could catch it.′′Oheavens, not even a title? Ms.Preston, could it be you're the mistress?"

Hannah's expression darkened.