Chapter 459

Elvin appeared visibly shaken. His company, Cortez Tech, was already struggling with financial strain, and there was no possibility he could gather such a massive sum. "Ms. Scott, could you give me a little time to get the money together? Or maybe lessen the figure?"

His words trembled with desperation as he begged Hannah.

Hannah's response was calm and unwavering.′′Awager is a wager. There's no justification to cut the amount. I'll grant you extra time, but don't keep me waiting too long."

With that, she gave neither Elvin nor Lindsay another glance and departed with effortless poise.

Vincent instantly stepped forward to pursue her.

Claude observed Lindsay collapsed on the floor and the anguish carved into Elvin's features, his mind reeling. Then, he schooled his expression into one of mock outrage and strode toward them. "Mr. Cortez,Miss Cortez-how could you sink so low? Cheating? Absolutely appalling! I couldn't be more let down by you both!"

Yet, behind the stern rebuke flickered a trace of satisfaction. This disgrace provided Claude the perfect justification to dissolve the prospective marriage alliance.

Grasping the opening, Claude unveiled his real aim. "I see no reason for the arrangement for our alliance to continue. I'll speak to my parents about canceling it."

After issuing his denunciation, Claude pivoted, his features swiftly softening into a bright smile as he called toward the way Hannah had gone, "Anna, wait up!"

Lindsay remained on the floor, watching Claude run after Hannah without hesitation. Whatever slim hope she still had was shattered completely. A muffled sob escaped her throat as tears finally flowed. She had aimed to impress Claude, to prove her value, but everything had collapsed into a humiliating disaster. Now,whatever fragile chance she possessed with Claude had vanished.

Elvin's frustration boiled over. "Why are you crying? We can't allow it to end this way. We must secure your betrothal with Claude!"

Lindsay raised her tear-stained face, her gaze clouded with despair."Dad, didn't you hear him? He said it's finished. There's no chance left."

But Elvin still clutched his final fragment of hope. He understood that ensuring the betrothal was essential for Cortez Tech's future growth. Today's disgrace had to remain confined to the few who had witnessed it.

Just then, Nikolas-disregarding Aylin at his side-approached with a sneer. "Mr. Cortez, if you're seeking a son-in-law,why not me? I wouldn't object to marrying your daughter."

Nikolas was fresh from his third divorce and old enough to be Lindsay's father. His proposal made Lindsay's stomach churn.

Rather than erupting in fury, Elvin's eyes darted to the club's surveillance cameras, and an idea formed.Without warning, he struck Nikolas with his fist. "You vile bastard! How dare you covet my daughter?"

The twNo men instantly began wrestling.

Lindsay dashed forward in alarm, trying to separate them.

Aylin, however, stayed still, watching coldly. Nikolas already had her, yet he still pursued other women.He had it coming.

Meanwhile, Hannah moved down the corridor toward the exit, her steps steady and unhurried.

Vincent followed close behind, keeping one pace back. At last, he broke the quiet. "How about sparring with me next time? Just the two of us."

Hannah neither reduced her pace nor turned her gaze. "No. Sparring has never brought me good memories."

Vincent's tall figure shifted to obstruct her way."What's that supposed to mean?"

Compelled to halt, Hannah answered evenly, "Exactly what it sounds like. I only wanted a little enjoyment and ease this time, but instead, it descended into chaos. What a disappointment!" Vincent's stare locked onto hers, his throat constricting as he swallowed hard."And before? Did you truly have no good memories of fencing, even practicing it with me?"

Meeting his eyes directly, without wavering, Hannah answered, "No. Not in the slightest."