Chapter 484

With fury in her eyes, Lindsay lunged ahead and yanked her submitted necklace from the stand. "No, I won't allow the appraisal! I'm pulling it out-I refuse to auction it!"

Lindsay was consumed by unease. The moment the two pieces lay side by side, the difference was undeniable-the counterfeit was glaring. If the appraisal continued, humiliation would be her only outcome.

Whispers erupted, swelling into harsh condemnation.

"She's just terrified of the truth, backing out before the test.Pathetic!"

"Imagine daring to parade a fake necklace at an auction-Ms.Cortez has no shame!"

Each cutting remark sliced through Lindsay's composure. Her chest tightened, and unable to withstand the barrage, she Lowered her head and stumbled out of the auction hall.

Vincent let his gaze follow her retreat only briefly before shifting back to Hannah. He gestured toward the authentic Ember Star necklace Derek had just delivered. "Want me to put it on you?"

Hannah's eyes remained steady, devoid of any longing. "Let's give it to charity instead." Her words landed sharp and unyielding, her tone as cool as glass.

Vincent gave her a subtle nod. "Alright. That one is last year's creation. I'll make sure you have a new one later."

Respecting her choice, he gestured for Derek to pass the

Respecting her choice, he gestured for Derek to pass the jewelry box to the auctioneer.

The auctioneer accepted it with barely contained excitement,and the hall erupted into cheers and applause.

As the final hammer fell and the auction wrapped up smoothly,guests began filing out in clusters, their voices buzzing with speculation.

Claude lingered, his gaze snagging on the quiet understanding that seemed to flow between Vincent and Hannah. A sharp pang twisted through him. Drawing a steadying breath,he forced down the storm in his chest and stepped forward. "Anna,let me take you home," he offered, his voice carrying more weight than he intended.

Vincent's words cut in-firm, unyielding. "Don't bother. I'll take her myself."

Claude locked eyes with Vincent, refusing to back down. "Mr.Jones, what makes you so sure she'll leave with you? Keep in mind, the two of you are already divorced."

He deliberately leaned on the word divorced, cutting a sharp line between Vincent and Hannah.

Vincent's gaze narrowed, shadows flickering in his stormy eyes."I'm not sure," he admitted evenly. "I'm competing."

His blunt honesty made it unmistakable-he wanted Hannah,and he wasn't embarrassed to declare it.

"Competing?" Claude gave a low laugh, the sound edged with amusement. "Now that's interesting."

"Shouldn't you ask what I think?" Hannah's cool voice sliced through the tension, halting the wordless clash between the two men. Her brows knit together as she surveyed them both,her gaze sharp and unflinching.

"Who gets to take me home is up to me." Her tone carried a crisp finality, leaving no room for argument.

Claude leaned toward her, his expression laced with sincerity."Anna, I brought you here, so I should be the one to make sure you get back safely."

Vincent's eyes followed her just as intently."I'm heading back to Sterling Heights. Come with me-it's along the way."

Claude's brow furrowed, baffled at when Vincent had taken up residence there.

Hannah lowered her gaze to her phone, her fingers brushing across the screen as if a message had caught her attention.Then,with sudden resolve, she lifted her head. "No. Neither of you needs to take me. I'll get back on my own."

Without another glance, she stepped past them, lifted a hand,and hailed the first taxi that slowed at the curb. Behind her,the door clicked firmly into place.

Claude watched the retreating taillights, his lips pulling into a bitter half-smile. "Seems like we both lost this round."

Vincent's eyes lingered on the road where she had vanished,his tone low and steady. "She's not something to win or lose."

Just then, Terrell and Evelyn strode over, their faces stern.

Evelyn's voice cut sharply through the night. "Claude.Come with us." Her tone brooked no refusal.

Claude's brows drew together, a faint crease deepening between them as he cast a look at Vincent.

Vincent answered with the barest nod, lips pressed shut, and pivoted away, his measured stride carrying him toward his car.

Inside a quiet side lounge, Evelyn pushed the door closed with deliberate force, her expression more severe than he had ever

deliberate force, her expression more severe than he had ever seen. "Claude, listen to me. I don't care what you say-I cannot,and will not, approve of that Hannah."

Her words rang out, clipped and uncompromising.

Frustration flared in Claude's chest, and he tried to reason with her. "Mom, you saw her yourself. She's sharp, she's steady under pressure, and she just saved everyone from taking a huge loss. How can that not count for anything?"

Evelyn's frown tightened, her tone turning cold and merciless."All that means nothing! Letting a divorcee join our family still disgraces us! We are the Hobbes family, a name with standing and reputation. How can you expect us to accept a divorced woman as your wife? The moment people find out, what will they say about us? About you?"