Chapter 475

Danica abruptly rose, hurrying to Erica's side, placing herself as a barrier in front of Erica. "Sharon, please,Brinley has already endured punishment for her mistakes. She just got out of prison, and now she has no shelter. Are we truly going to force her away? She has no other place to turn to. Where exactly do you expect her to go?"

Sharon's eyes narrowed further as she regarded the impassioned Danica.

Danica's agitation grew with each word. "I understand my opinion carries little significance in this household. But I'm part of it! Even if it costs me dearly, I must speak my mind! We need to do the right thing!We remain indebted; Brinley's father and brother gave their lives to save Vincent back then! And now,Brinley just wants to live a decent life. Are you seriously trying to strip even that away? Could you really bear to do that?"

Erica leaned out timidly from behind Danica, her eyes glistening with desperation as she pleaded, "Sharon, I genuinely admit my wrongs. I am begging you. Please allow me to stay."

Sharon exhaled wearily, her tone heavy. "Fine. I will not interfere any longer."

With those words, Sharon leaned on her cane and departed from the dining room.

Danica finally released a breath of relief. Sharon's silence confirmed that Brinley could remain. She then turned toward Vincent, who had spoken nothing, and asked carefully, "Brinley will continue to live here. You have no objections, correct?"

Vincent parted his lips faintly. "No objections." Erica had not yet paid the true price, so he would not permit her to slip beyond his reach.

Danica, overcome with feeling, pulled the bewildered Erica into her arms."That's wonderfuI, Brinley! Did you hear? You can stay! I'll arrange for someone to bring down your things from the guest room upstairs.Tonight, you'll share my room. We can finally talk properly." It had been far too long since Danica had someone to confide in. With the return of "Brinley,"she felt genuine joy.

Hannah had been observing with icy indifference. After Danica exited, she approached Erica, her gaze lingering on the face nearly identical to her own, and with a cutting tone, she remarked, "Pathetic. You've altered yourself beyond recognition, only to humbly beg for a place. After all your schemes, what have you gained besides a face that resembles mine?"

Erica felt a stab of pain from Hannah's biting words. But recalling that she had secured her stay within the Jones estate, she regained a sliver of confidence. She lifted her chin, meeting Hannah's stare. "At least Sharon and Danica care for me. They remain by my side. Even with your attempts to expose me, what did you accomplish? They still support me, and I remain with the Jones family! Your efforts failed!"

Hannah studied Erica's smugness, her lips curving in sharper derision. "Who claimed I came to expose you?Unmasking you was just a side task." She paused briefly."My real objective-you'll discover soon enough."

With that,Hannah ignored Erica's stunned look, turning instead to Vincent. "I feel somewhat weary."

Vincent instantly understood. "I'll have someone bring the car around."

Without sparing Erica a glance, the two departed side by side.

Erica watched them leave, unease gnawing deeper within. She could not stop herself from crying out toward Vincent's retreating figure, "Vincent, will you...Will you return?"

Hannah neither paused nor looked back, but she declared, "He's spending the night at my place."

Vincent hesitated faintly, his eyes casting a deep and unreadablelook at Hannah.

Erica's body shook uncontrollably, her fists tightening hard.

Vincent and Hannah hopped into the car.

As the black sedan drove to the entrance of the estate, Hannah broke the silence. "Stop here."

The driver immediately hit the brakes, smoothly halting by the gate. Through the car window, Hannah gazed at the courtyard. Erica stood at the entrance of the main building,staring intently at their car.

A pleased smile touched Hannah's lips. She lowered the car window.

Across the distance, Hannah and Erica locked eyes.

Abruptly, Hannah reached out, seizing Vincent's jaw. Then, in his startled gaze, she pressed her lips to his.Vincent's eyes slid shut, his instincts drawing him closer, his arm instinctively wrapping around her,deepening the kiss. He reached toward the button to roll up the window.

Hannah's lips clung to his, their breaths mingling. She murmured, "Don't. I want her to see this."