Chapter 490

For several weeks, Vincent had made it a habit to appear at the Luminara Group building,personally ferrying Hannah to and from work,rain or shine.

That evening, the car glided smoothly back toward Sterling Heights.

Hannah, gazing at the scenery flashing past the window,suddenly broke the silence. "Do you have any special plans this weekend?"

Vincent cast her a glance. "I might be tied up.Why do you ask?"

He left his words dangling, clearly waiting for her to finish the thought.

Turning her head, Hannah studied the clean lines of his profile,a playful spark flickering in her eyes."Oh, nothing serious.I booked a presidential suite, thinking we could spend some time together. But if you're busy, then forget it."

Her tone carried a trace of disappointment, as if she were letting a balloon slip from her hand.

Vincent felt a sudden stir in his chest, as though something had been gently nudged awake.

He was on the verge of agreeing when Hannah's voice sliced in again, laced with a sigh of helplessness. "I suppose I'll just have to find someone else."

Vincent's smile faltered, freezing in place. Without warning,he braked, bringing the car to a neat stop at the red light. He turned sharply to her. "And who exactly are you planning to

turned sharply to her. "And who exactly are you planning to take to that suite?"

Hannah let out a sly chuckle. "Are you jealous?"

Her question floated back to him as lightly as a feather.

Vincent pressed his lips together, his jawline hardening. He gave no answer.

A heavy silence settled over the car, thick as fog.

Hannah appeared completely unfazed. She shifted her attention away, leisurely fishing out her phone, fingers gliding with ease across the screen.

Vincent tried to disguise his rising fury, stealing what seemed a casual glance at her phone. That one glance made his pupils contract. Her screen displayed photos and videos of striking,handsome young men. Was she seriously picking someone else -and giving it thought?

The last thread of his restraint snapped. He reached out and snatched the phone from her hand. His voice was iron-clad."You can't choose anyone else! l'll go!"

Hannah's lips curved slowly into a triumphant smile. "You're such a darling." Leaning slightly closer, she pressed a feather-light kiss on his cheek. "That's your reward."

The warmth of her lips sent a jolt through him, like a live current racing under his skin. He held his silence, yet the flush in his ears betrayed him.

In the days that followed, Vincent compressed his entire workload into the weekdays, determined to keep the weekend free. The lights in the Jones Group CEO's office burned late into the night.

Meanwhile, Hannah seemed"very busy" herself. For several days straight, Vincent didn't see her at Sterling Heights.

days straight, Vincent didn't see her at·Sterling Heights.Whenever he called, she replied calmly that she was tied up with a project. A blend of disappointment and unease crept over him. But when he thought of their promised weekend,he buriedthe doubts deep down and threw himself into work with renewed resolve.

At last, the weekend came. Vincent rose early, carefully selecting his attire and taking unusual care with his hair,even fastening a new set of cufflinks. A rare smile surfaced as he caught sight of himself in the mirror.

Yet, when he reached for his phone to call Hannah, he couldn't get through. After several failed attempts, the line finally connected."Why didn't you answer?" His voice betrayed a shade of urgency.

On the other end, Hannah sounded languid. "I had Derek deliver the key card to you. Didn't you get it?"

She clearly assumed that was the reason for his call.

"I got it. But where are you? Should I come pick you up?"Vincent presed to the heart of the matter.

Hannah's voice carried a playful complaint. "I'm getting ready for our night. I want to look nice. Is that an issue with you?"

Her faintly coquettish tone melted the tightness in his chest.His voice, unconsciously indulgent, softened. "Of course,it's fine with me. I'll come get you. Just tell me where."

"No need." Her voice was low and enticing. "Meet me at the hotel. Wait for me in the room. I want to surprise you."

Vincent's pulse quickened. She was clearly taking pains for this evening. Without hesitation, he agreed. "Alright. I'lwait for you."

"See you soon." With that, Hannah ended the call.

Hannah set her phone aside and turned her gaze toward Erica,

Hannah set her phone aside and turned her gaze toward Erica,whose eyes burned with undisguised hostility in the mirror. The two of them were seated in a high-end private beauty salon-Hannah's deliberate choice.

Hannah had already known Erica had booked her hair appointment here today. So she had arranged hers at the same time.

The stylist stood stiffly nearby, hardly daring to breathe. The two women-so alike in looks yet worlds apart in bearing-had charged the air with tension from the moment they walked in.

Ignoring Erica's venomous glare, Hannah rose gracefully,adjusting the fall of her dazzling red velvet gown in the mirror.She turned her head just slightly, catching Erica's reflection,and her lips curled into a mocking smile. "Did you hear that?I'll be spending the night with Vincent, just the two of us."