Chapter 449

After exchanging a few polite words, Claude swiftly guided Hannah into the car. He drove her to an upscale restaurant famed for its exclusivity.

Inside a private room, Claude personally drew out a chair for Hannah, a gesture both thoughtful and attentive.

Lifting his glass with a broad smile, Claude said,"Anna, congratulations once again! You steered today's storm with steady hands, clearing away the troublemakers from your company."

Hannah raised her glass and clinked it lightly against his, a soft smile lingering on her lips. "Thank you,Claude."

Claude set his glass down and leaned forward, his voice tinged with concern. "By the way, when did you cross paths with Vincent? I thouight you would have avoided him." Though his tone sounded casual, his eyes fastened firmly on Hannah's face.

Hannah stayed composed, her reply light as air. "We bumped into each other not long ago-pure chance."

She paused and then added to gauge his reaction,"He seemed so startled to see me that he doubted I was even Hannah. I found that rather amusing."

Hannah studied Claude closely, catching the faint flicker in his eyes.

"It is amusing." Claude agreed quickly, shifting the subject as smoothly as turning a page. "Oh, and I heard Vincent's bodyguard lent you great helpo at the celebration dinner?"

Hannah nodded without hesitation. "Yes, his bodyguards were of great help at that moment."

A shadow of disappointment brushed across Claude's face. "Why didn't you ask me? You know,my people are always at your service."

Hannah looked at him and said calmly, "Weren't you busy then? I didn't wish to trouble you."

"That's not correct to think like that, Claude countered, his gaze intent. "For me, you always come first. Next time, don't think twice-no matter how busy I appear, l'll be there for you. In Dorbarrow,I am as close to you as family."

He added pointedly, "After all, you're Vincent's ex-wife. If you stay too close to him, tongues will wag.Misunderstandings are born in whispers, and they can grow into storms. Don't you agree?" At last, his true concern surfaced.

Meeting his gaze, Hannah replied vaguely,"I understand, Claude."

Although her answer didn't fully satisfy him,he kept his warm smile. "Alright, let's leave it at that. Once we finish dinner, I'll take you somewhere to unwind."

After the meal, Claude brought Hannah to a high-end private fencing club. He introduced it withenthusiasm. "Anna, you're always carrying the weight of troubles. It's time to loosen the knots. Fencing sharpens the mind and eases the spirit.I'll teach you -you'll learn quickly."

Hannah wanted to say she already knew how to play.

Just then, a woman's surprised voice rang from nearby. "Claude? Is that you?"

Claude turned at once, his brow creasing instinctively.

There stood Lindsay Cortez, clad in a fitted sports outfit, a professional fencing bag slung over her shoulder, her eyes wide with surprise.

Lindsay, the daughter of the chairman of Cortez Tech,was the recent match arranged for Claude by ·his family.

Recently, Claude's so-called busy days had largely been consumed by handling the activities arranged by the Hobbes family for matching him up with Lindsay. Claude hadn't expected to encounter Lindsay here.

Lindsay stepped closer, her gaze flicking between Claude and Hannah with subtle curiosity. "Claude,didn't you say you had no time to meet today? And who might this be?"

Hannah extended her hand, her voicecool yet courteous. "Hello, I'm Hannah Scott."

Lindsay hesitated and then reached out briefly for a handshake. "Hello, I'm Lindsay Cortez. May I know your relationship with him?"

Hannah replied naturally, "I'm his family."

Claude instantly chimed in, emphasizing, "Not by blood." He seemed anxious to make the distinction clear.

。

Following his lead, Hannah added, "Yes, not by blood, but close enough to be family."

Turning back to Lindsay, Hannah asked politely, "And who are you to Claude?" Claude cut in first, "Just a business associate. She's the heiress of Cortez Tech." His tone suggested he would rather not linger on the subject.

"I'm Claude's blind date," Lindsay said, frowning slightly.

A flicker of surprise touched Hannah's eyes. She smiled and asked, "Blind date? Since when did you two have a blind date?"

Claude's expression darkened, and he quickly explained, "My family forcefully arranged it for me.I never wanted it..."

Lindsay's smile stiffened at his blunt and chilly words. Watching him, she sensed his natural warmth toward Hannah. She didn't believe for a second that he only saw Hannah as a sisterly figure. Deep down,her instincts whispered that something was off. The true nature of their relationship eluded her.

Yet, Lindsay smoothed her expression,swallowed her doubts, and said with an easy smile, "Since fate has us meet here, why don't we have fun together?"