Chapter 503

Hannah fought desperately against Vincent, her fists hammering against his shoulder as she struggled to break free. "Let go of me..."

Yet, her resistance only seemed to ignite something deeper within Vincent, making his kisses grów more passionate and demanding.

Slowly, her defiant strength began to fade, her rigid body gradually melting beneath the intensity of his touch.

Sensing her surrender, Vincent drew back slightly,pressing his forehead against hers while breathing heavily. "I knew it...You have feelings for me..."

His fingertips brushed across her slightly swollen lips before trailing downward. "Look at yourself... You've completely given in now."

Hannah jerked back as if burned, shoving him away with sudden force. "Get a hold of yourself!" Her breathing remained ragged, her cheeks still blazing with color, yet she managed to summon a fierce glare. "You're still burning up with fever-stop spouting delirious nonsense!"

Even after being pushed back, Vincent stayed positioned on one knee, effectively blocking her escape route. "My mind is crystal clear. Don't try to deflect," he said roughly. "You absolutely have feelings for me."

Hannah refused to meet his penetrating stare and tried to stand. "We'll discuss this once your fever breaks."

"Let's settle this right now," he insisted, his fingers closing around her wrist. "Haven't I made myself clear? I'd tear down every barrier to be with you. Yet,days have passed in silence from your end. Could you tell me what's really going through your mind?"

Hannah hesitated for a long moment before posing a question, which seemed unrelated. "Does your

grandmother know your decision?"

Vincent frowned, clearly displeased with her bringing this up at such a moment. "This is just between us."

Hannah shook her head, her gaze becoming sharp and focused. "If you're only seeking a casual relationship, then yes, it concerns just us. But Vincent, if you're contemplating something deeper than simple dating-like marriage-then both our families become involved. You cannot keep this hidden from them indefinitely."

Vincent's previously troubled and intense expression melted away at her words. He leaned in abruptly,their noses nearly touching. "So, you're thinking long-term? Have you been considering remarrying me?"

Hannah immediately backtracked, turning away to avoid his searching gaze. "I'm simply being practical about possibilities. Don't read more into it than necessary."

"Since you're awake now, you should go." She

wrenched herself free from his grasp, rose to her feet, and created deliberate space between them,her tone growing cold and detached once more.

Vincent sank back against the sofa cushions, liftig a hand to his forehead. His brow creased with apparent pain as his voice became instantly weak."I'm so dizzy... My entire body feels drained. I can't possibly walk."

He embodied the picture of stubborn defiance.

Hannah observed his theatrical display of weakness,caught between exasperation and amusement,yet finding herself genuinely unable to abandon a sick man. Finally, she released a weary sigh. "Fine, have it your way then."

Turning her back on him, she walked toward her bedroom without another glance.

Just as her hand reached for the door handle,Vincent's muffled voice drifted from behind her."Hannah, trust me... We won't repeat our past mistakes."

Hannah froze momentarily at the threshold, feeling the weight of his intense gaze burning into her spine.

She offered no reply and refused to turn around.

The door closed with a gentle click.

Leaning against the cool wood panel, her thoughts swirled in chaotic spirals.

The following morning, Hannah awakened to find the sofa completely vacant.

Soon afterward, her phone screen illuminated with a message from Vincent. "The evidence points to two plastic surgery clinics-Elegance Surgical Arts and DreamFace Cosmetic Surgery; they maintain the strongest connections to Erica. She's already flown abroad these past couple days, apparently for revision surgery. My people are already on it."

She typed back quickly. "Understood. Thank you."

Meanwhile, the mood at the Jones family estate had turned completely somber.

This morning, upon returning home, Vincent had

delivered shocking news to Sharon and Danica: he could never father children.

"That's absolutely ridiculous!" Sharon's cane crashed against the marble floor, her face draining of color as she fixed Vincent with a withering stare."You've maintained perfect health your entire life.I've reviewed your medical reports annually. How could such a condition suddenly manifest? Which hospital conducted this examination? A bunch of quacks!"

Danica quickly chimed in, "We cannot accept such devastating news without verification! There has to be some mistake. We'll consult the finest fertility specialists and demand comprehensive testing-we must have absolute certainty!"

Vincent's expression remained granite-hard, his tone brooking no argument. "Additional examinations are unnecessary. This is a fact. I've confirmed it thoroughly. Therefore, concerning the company's succession, I'll identify a qualified candidate from our extended family and commence their training

immediately."

"You!" Sharon trembled with rage, yet seeing Vincent's face completely devoid of humor, doubt crept into her certainty. She forced her fury down,attempting rational persuasion. "You don't have to rush into anything just yet! You're still in your prime-with proper treatment, the prospects remain hopeful.The succession matter can certainly be delayed."

Hearing this exchange, Danica, who had initially appeared stunned, felt a flicker of something complicated cross her features. She lowered her gaze,quietly lifting her mug as if carefully calculating her next move.