Chapter 427

Mock admiration laced Calvin's voice as he spoke. "Natalie, you really know how to play people like a fiddle!Not bad."

Hannah quietly breathed a sigh of relief, her face showing a cooperatively humble smile. "You're too kind,Mr.Briggs."

Calvin shifted the topic, leaning slightly forward as he pulled a new document from the drawer, pushing it toward her with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "By the way, the Starlink Project launched recently.A batch of data needs your attention. Quite simple, really. Just adjust the cost-sharing ratios here a bit and optimize the wastage rate a little.Understand?"

Taking the document, Hannah's eyes quickly scanned the highlighted data. The same old game of falsifying figures, inflating costs, and embezzling funds stared back at her. Now, however, the stakes were higher,and the risks were greater! Calvin finally included her in such shady deals.

Neutral composure masked her thoughts as she showed a hint of understanding and caution. Voice dropping low, she responded, "Understood, Mr. Briggs. I'll handle it neatly."

Satisfaction spread across Calvin's features, his smile widening. "Great! Once this document is dealt with,thirty thousand will be immediately transferred to your account."

"Much appreciated, Mr. Briggs!" Hannah responded, feigning gratitude while securing the document.Inwardly,ice filled her veins. This was yet another piece of evidence.

Before departing, Hannah ventured carefully, manufactured greed glinting in her expression, "Mr. Briggs, Vincent's Bentley began to slow deliberately, easing slightly into her lane.

His gaze was razor-sharp, calculating speed and angle. Just as her car neared his rear, he yanked the wheel and slammed the brakes.

Bang! A thunderous crash echoed through the air.

Using the Bentley's weight and robust brakes, Vincent forced Hannah's runaway car to a grinding halt.

Tendrils of white smoke curled from the hood, the ground scorched where tires had skidded.

Hannah lurched forward from the impact, only to be snapped back by her seatbelt. Her chest ached, and a ringing filled her ears.

Her car door flew open. Vincent was at her side in an instant, nearly diving to reach her."Are you okay? Any injuries?"

He reached out, carefully unbuckling her seatbelt and helping her out of the wrecked car.

Vincent inspected her, seeing no external injuries. "Move a little. Anywhere hurt badly?"

With his support, Hannah straightened up slowly. She took a few tentative steps and shook her head."I'm fine... Nothing serious."

Gathering her strength, she approached her mangled car, crouched down, and inspected the brake system.

She quickly found the problem; the brake fluid line had been deliberately severed, leaking every drop. This was no malfunction-it was sabotage, a calculated attempt on her life.

A shiver crawled down her spine. She reached for her phone to document the evidence, only to find its battery dead. "Can I use your phone?" she asked Vincent, her voice urgent. "Someone tampered with my brakes. I need to take pictures!"

Vincent's eyes turned cold as steel. He handed her his phone without a word.°

Hannah snapped pictures from every angle. Finished, she exhaled shakily and returned the phone. "Thank you. Can you call someone to pick us up? Derek, or anyone?"

Vincent's expression sharpened as he moved closer, invisible authority radiating from him. "Consider carefully.Are you truly satisfied remaining a mere supervisor given your talents?"

Ice crystallized in Hannah's stare. "Your offer is generous, Mr. Jones, but completely unwanted.My current role suits me perfectly. Please step aside."

Attempting to sidestep him proved futile.

Vincent remained planted, his gaze razor-sharp. "What if I tell you that Jones Group and Luminara Group are about to embark on a high-profile joint venture, and I can grant you the role of the sole project lead?This opportunity could rocket you straight to Luminara Group's executive level! Interested now?"

Not a flicker of temptation crossed Hannah's features. "Still not." Without another glance at Vincent, she clicked her key fob, slipped into the driver's seat, and slammed the door.

The engine roared to life as she floored the accelerator and sped away.

Vincent exhaled slowly before pursuing her.

Hannah maintained steady speed on the Sterling Heights route.

Approaching an uphill stretch, she pressed the brake pedal for the usual slowdown, but it plunged to the floor with zero resistance. No deceleration followed.

Another desperate pump of the brakes yielded nothing.

The truth hit like lightning: her brakes had failed. Who was behind this now?