Chapter 452

Hannah moved steadily toward the outskirts of the gathering, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar figures present before resting firmly on Claude. Her tone was level. "Were you talking about me?"

Claude advanced with a formal bearing, eager to explain. "Anna, these gentlemen are my principal business associates, Nikolas MacLeod and Elvin Cortez, CEO of their own companies. They happened to witness us fencing and suggested a lighthearted contest to make things more engaging. Mr.MacLeod,Mr. Cortez, allow me to introduce the CEO of Luminara Group, Ms. Scott."

Claude attempted to ease the atmosphere.

Hannah lifted her brow. "So? In what way does this involve me?"

Before Claude managed a reply, Nikolas, a middle-aged man, interjected with a smile, his attention lingering on Hannah with faint insolence, "Such a striking woman! Mr. Hobbes, you certainly recognize beauty when you see it!"

Nikolas paused, his tone edged with the cunning calculation of a seasoned trader. "We made a small wager earlier, just to add some excitement. The bet is on which of our dates will prevail in the contest. My stake is a valuable development parcel on the outskirts of the city."

Elvin added swiftly, "My daughter has loved fencing from her youth, and she will represent our Cortez Tech. If she should fail, I will yield our advanced chip technology licenses for ten years!"

Lindsay cut in immediately, her voice ringing with pride. "Don't worry, Dad. I'll bring you victory."

Hannah realized at once that Elvin was Lindsay's father.

Claude hurried to add, "On my side, Hannah, if you lose, Fontaine Galleria will provide every premier exhibition location within its prime commercial zones for a full decade!"

Hannah listened without change of expression. "So you decided a bet on me without seeking my agreement?"

Claude's chest tightened, and he hurriedly said, "No,Anna, you've taken it wrongly. I meant to enter the contest myself."

Lindsay sliced in sharply from nearby. "Claude!Everyone just agreed that the dates would compete.What now? Since Ms. Scott objects, you're withdrawing? That looks dishonorable, doesn't it?"

Nikolas and Elvin echoed Lindsay's remarks with quick approval.

Claude disregarded Lindsay, keeping his gaze locked upon Hannah's expression. "Anna, are you upset? L..."

Hannah held herself steady despite clear annoyance."Claude, you ought to have spoken with me beforehand, not presented this after deciding."

"Forgive me, Anna, I overlooked that. You shouldn't feel any burden. Just treat this as a pastime."Claude's eyes stayed firm on Hannah, calm and unwavering.

He knew Hannah might be displeased, yet he still risked the gamble. He couldn't suppress the urge to test his place in her heart. He believed Hannah would never permit him to forfeit the wager. She wouldn't want him to lose. He relished seeing her fight on his behalf. It exhilarated him.

Hannah held his gaze."And if I lose?"

Claude's expression was hopeful. "I want you to win."

Reading the expectancy in Claude's eyes, Hannah felt her last shred of hesitation vanish. She abruptly smiled. The expression was glacial and detached,emphasizing her determination to take charge.

Hannah shifted away from Claude and addressed his business associates, who were watching with anticipation, her voice ringing throughout the foncing hall with crisp strength, "I believe there's confusion. I am not Mr. Hobbes' date. Wo are morely frienda, here for leisure."

At once, Claude's features altered slightly. Did that imply she would not compete for him?

Hannah halted,sweeping her gaze across the arena,and declared, "Since everyone here is so eager to gamble, I'll introduce my own stake. If I fall, I will yield 15% of Luminara Group's shares. But if I succeed...

Her look turned razor sharp, gliding over Nikolas,then Elvin, and finally Claude. Her tone was firm and cold. "If | succeed, I claim everything you've wagered."

She rejected being treated as the wager. She intended to be the one placing the gamble. If a game existed, she would grasp a share of the spoils.

·The fencing hall burst into murmurs. The crowd was stunned that Hannah controlled 15% of Luminara Group. They realized they had underestimated her.

Lindsay's face grew bitter. The playful amusement on Nikolas' and Elvin's faces evaporated, replaced by astonishment and hunger.

Nikolas' eyes gleamed. He reacted first, clapping and laughing. "Magnificent! Such boldness! Who could have known Mr. Hobbes' friend is this feisty? We accept this gamble."

Lindsay fixed her eyes on Hannah and declared,"You're bound to lose."

Just then, Vincent descended the winding staircase in a grand entrance, his voice echoing across the hall. "I'll join the gamble. I'll stake a mineral vein.My wager is that Ms. Scott will prevail." He gestured firmly toward Hannah.