Chapter 432

Hannah froze in disbelief. She never imagined Vincent would purchase the apartment just beneath hers. She suppressed the tumnultuous shock and fury she felt, lifted her chin, and locked onto Vincent's dark gaze."Mr. Jones, that really is a massive purchase."

Vincent regarded Hannah in silence, offering no reply to the evident mockery. He merely inclined forward a little, speaking softly. "I'll drive you to the office tomorrow."

The words struck like a tinder match, instantly awakening emotions Hannah had pressed down for so long.She studied Vincent, who always carried the aura of being in command of everything, and a heavy weariness mingled with frustration swept through her.

Hannah kept quiet for several moments and then slowly expressed the truest feelings buried inside, one phrase at a time. "First, I'm grateful for your assistance today. Without you, my vehicle wouldn't have halted so safely. I will always remember the favor."

Hannah halted, her stare sharp as it met Vincent's, adding, "Since we're now neighbors, I'd prefer you keep out of my private sphere and avoid constant intrusion."

Vincent's brow knit ever so slightly. "I'm not attempting to intrude on your life."

"But you are!" Hannah's tone suddenly climbed, charged with repressed fury and a cutting force.′′Vincent!You appear before me daily. Forget the breakfasts or the packed meals-now you've even bought the apartment under mine! Isn't that intrusion? Isn't this your way of observing me?"

She noticed the faint shift across Vincent's features, feeling no victory, only deeper fatigue and harder determination. "If you don't want me to move away immediately, get out of this compound. Abandon this city altogether. And I beg you, beginning tomorrow, stop drowning me in attention. I don't want it, not in the slightest!"

Hannah's gaze turned frosty and detached. "This apartment was the final place my father lived before his passing.You must know what that means to me. So, don't come looking for me tomorrow. Or ever again. I'd

Having said her piece, Hannah denied Vincent the chance to reply, swiftly turning and entering her apartment, shutting the door hard.

Outside the door, Vincent stayed rooted in place. This was the longest speech that he had heard from Hannah since they met again. She'd voiced gratitude for his aid but firmly marked her line. She'd even threatened to move away altogether. She didn't need him.

Vincent lingered there along while. At last, he slowly pivoted. His stride grew heavy as he made his way toward the elevator.

The following morning, Hannah rose as usual and got ready to eat. As she opened the refrigerator, a sudden knock echoed at her door.

Hannah's movement stopped cold, irritation flooding up inside. Was that Vincent again? She'd spelled everything out yesterday, yet why was he still here?

Hannah stormed to the door and flung it wide, shouting, "I told you not to bother me! I don't..."

Her voice broke off at once. It wasn't Vincent at the door, but a middle-aged womanin a chef's cap.

"Good morning, Ms. Scott!" the woman greeted cheerfully, her voice bright and deferential as she waved the food container in her hand. "You may call me Addie! I've brought breakfast for you!"

As Addie spoke, she lifted an insulated carrier from the floor."And here's your lunch. Mr. Jones personally instructed me to prepare meals for you from today onward! I'll see that they're wholesome and tasty!"

Hannah blinked in shock. Vincent actually employed a cook for her? Her face hardened, and she answered icily, "I don't want it. Take it back."

。

Addie edged the food container and insulated carrier forward again, unease flickering in her eyes.′′Ms.Scott,please accept it. If you refuse, Mr. Jones will dock my pay! I've just gone through a divorce, and I have children depending on me. This work matters enormously to me." Hannah's brows pressed tighty together. She glanced at the food container and insulated carrier, and then at Addie's pleading look that seemed to say, "I'll be doomed if you refuse."

Hannah wavered briefly. In the end, she relented and said, "Fine." She extended her hands and accepted the heavy food container and insulated carrier.

Addie's face brightened with relief. "Excellent! Thank you, Ms. Scott. You're truly generous! Don't trouble yourself with washing the container and insulated carrier. I'll come to collect them when I bring you dinner!You likely have business awaiting. I'll take my leave now."

Addie gave a polite bow, then turned and departed briskly, steps light.

Hannah shut the door and placed the container and insulated carrier on the dining table. Lifting the cover,she discovered a lavish breakfast, full of flavors she had once loved.

Meanwhile, inside the Jones Group conference hall, a project manager stood before the screen, presenting his plan with fervor.

Vincent,head bent, received a note from the chef, Addie. "Mr. Jones, Ms. Scott accepted both breakfast and lunch."

Vincent's lips curved faintly into a smile he couldn't suppress.