Chapter 469

Vincent stood beside Hannah's car, his tall frame casting a stark shadow under the parking lot's dim lights.He leaned closer, peering through the window with concern. "You're not in any shape to drive. Let me take the wheel."

Hannah drew a steadying breath, swallowing her irritation, and glanced at the sleek black Bentley parked nearby. "I saw your car,"she said pointedly, the implication clear: if Vincent drove her car, what about his own?

"I'll have Derek handle it," Vincent replied with an immediate solution.

Hannah's grip tightened on the steering wheel, while Vincent stood resolute, waiting patiently by her car.

They were locked in a silent standoff.

Just then, a white SUV circled the lot several times before pulling to a stop in the lane behind Hannah's car.

The window rolled down, revealing a young man's exasperated face-Edgar Newman. HHe muttered to the passenger seat, "Is that car even going to move? We've been waiting forever! I'm starving-when can we finally get to eat?"

He slapped the steering wheel in frustration.

Marilyn Jensen, in the passenger seat, leaned out with a weary expression. "What a day. Not a single open spot in this entire lot!"

After a few more minutes with no movement from Hannah's car, Edgar's patience snapped. He flung his door open and stormed over, barking,"Hey! You moving this thing or what? You've been parked here forever -get going!"

Marilyn scrambled out after him, intending to rein in his temper, but her eyes caught the tall, striking man beside the car. Her gaze lingered, captivated. So handsome! Her attention wavered as she stole another glance. Hannah, already seething with pent-up anger and hurt, was ignited by Edgar's brash words. She threw her car door open with a sharp jerk and snapped, "I parked here, and I'll stay as long as I want! Who are you to order me around?"

Vincent stood quietly, making no move to intervene. He knew Hannah didn't need soothing-she needed to unleash. All that bottled-up rage and pain demanded an outlet.

Edgar let out a dry laugh, sizing Hannah up. Her beauty struck him, but his words stayed sharp."You're easy on the eyes, but that attitude... I've been watching-you act like you're about to leave but just sit there,wasting everyone's time. You're the problem here."

His eyes flicked to Vincent, whose silent authority was unmistakable, and he smirked derisively."Oh,1get it.Lovers' spat? She won't let you in the car? How juvenile. Come on, we're adults-can't you act a little more mature?"

"We're not a couple!" Hannah shot back, her voice cutting like a blade. "If you want to argue, argue with me -leave him out of it."

Edgar faltered, caught off guard by her fierce retort, and was about to snap back when Marilyn's eyes widened, staring at Hannah with sudden recognition. "Wait! Are you Victoria?"

Hannah's anger subsided, replaced by confusion. "You know me?"

Marilyn clapped her hands, her face alight with excitement. "It is you! Don't you remember? Six months ago in Cavendria, near Queen's Avenue, I was mugged by some thugs, and you stepped in to help! You even called the police and gave me your business card, saying I could reach out if I ever needed anything. I never imagined we'd run into each other here-what a small world!"

Hannah's brow furrowed, her tone apologetic. "I'm terrible with faces. It's not ringing a bell."

Marilyn waved it off, her smile radiant. "No problem at all! I'm so grateful for what you did that day. Letme treat you to dinner!"

Edgar sighed, exasperated. "Great, but there's no parking-how are we supposed to eat?"

Marilyn nudged him with a playful grin and said to Hannah,"Oh, right! This is Edgar, my kept man. Don't

mind his words!"

Edgar shrugged and gazed at Hannah. "Sorry about earlier."

The encounter diffused Hannah's anger, and a sudden idea sparked in her mind.