Chapter 451

After finishing a round of fencing with Claude,Hannah headed toward the restroom when, at the bend of the hallway, she ran into Lindsay.

Lindsay had been lurking there, watching Hannah and Claude like a hawk.

With her arms crossed and her shoulder resting lazily against the wall, Lindsay's eyes burned with hostility as they fixed on Hannah. "You do have a knack for fencing.Your strikes are crisp, your shifts between offense and defense as smooth as flowing water...Hardly the clumsy touch of a beginner." A cold,mocking smile tugged at her lips. "But your tricks are a little underhanded, aren't they?"

Hannah paused mid-step, her brow furrowing as she met Lindsay's gaze. "Underhanded?" Straightening her posture, Lindsay moved a step closer, her tone sharp. "Drop the act. I've seen right through you. You're feigning inexperience just to get Claude to teach you, making excuses for close contact, letting him adjust your gear, and guiding your hand as if you needed the help. Hah,those little tricks may fool men, but not me."

Hannah frowned, her voice carrying a quiet edge of frost. "You're mistaken. Claude and l..."

"What?" Lindsay cut in, temper breaking loose."Wanting to claim you two are just closer than family,though not related by blood? Ha! I say you're hiding some agenda!"

"I don't understand this hostility. Claude and I are just like family. Nothing more than that," Hannah replied, her brow creased. She turned slightly, ready to leave, unwilling to waste another breath.

But Lindsay stepped into her path. "How about a match between us?"

"And why should I compete with you?" Hannah asked

calmly, a faint smile playing across her lips. "Just because you think l've taken your Claude? You're upset and want to prove something? And I must duel to satisfy your jealousy?"

She gave a slight shake of her head, her eyes filled with unmasked disdain."I have no interest in childish games. If it were just for sport, perhaps I'd humor you,but a duel to feed your pride? I will pass."

Her nonchalant refusal fanned Lindsay's anger into flame. Her voice rose likea whip crack. "Not interested? Or simply afraid? I can't fathom why Claude would favor someone so timid!"

Hannah regarded Lindsay's flushed, frustrated face,her eyes devoid of any remaining emotion. The confrontation had run its course. Her voice, cool and detached, left no room for argument. "Think whatever you like, as long as it helps you find sleep at night."

And with that, Hannah brushed past Lindsay without a backward glance, making her way to the restroom. Left behind, Lindsay stood trembling with fury, her face pale with rage, her chest rising and falling heavily.

When Hannah emerged from the restroom and reached the hallway corner, a tall figure appeared suddenly before her. She nearly collided with him and instinctively drew back. Lifting her eyes, she saw Vincent. Steadying herself, she frowned slightly."What are you doing here?"

Vincent's gaze was steady, almost searing, as though he could read every thought behind her eyes.His lips pressed into a thin line. After a long silence,he gave a dismissive excuse. "Just passing by."

Hannah arched an eyebrow, teasing lightly. "Passing by near the restroom? That's convenient."

For a moment, Vincent was struck speechless. His expression darkened. He quickly shifted the subject."You and Claude seem to be enjoying yourselves at fencing."

"How did you know?" Hannah countered.

His face soured-she had admitted it mtrs.t hesitation. "I saw it while passing by," he sad st m that flat tone.

Inside, Hannah found the who'e exchange rather absurd, but outwardly, she stayed composed. giving only a soft "Hmm" before trying to move past h'm."I've things to attend to. I'll be on my way."

But Vincent's arm shot out, barring her path. Leaning forward, his gaze pierced hers. "Heading back to fence with Claude again?"

Hannah raised her eyes to meet him squarely. "And if lam?"

"You can't," Vincent declared as if it were self-evident. "I don't like him."

,"Mr. Jones, that's overstepping." Hannah's tone was distant, a wall between them.

"Claude is soon to be engaged to Lindsay Cortez.She's not one to trifle with. Take my advice: keep

your distance before trouble finds you." His words carried the weight of warning, his ears having clearly caught the earlier clash between her and Lindsay.

But Hannah's reply was no less sharp. "Then let me remind you, Mr. Jones-I'm no easy mark myself.Perhaps you should take your own advice and keep your distance from me."

With that, she seized a brief moment of his distraction, slipped away under his extended hand,and left the restroom behind.

Back at the training hall, the air was busier than before. New arrivals in formal suits were speaking with Claude.

Not far off stood Lindsay. Spotting Hannah, she let a cold smirk curl across her face. "Well, well. We were just speaking of you-and here you are."