Chapter 525

Hannah stirred awake, roused by a disorienting tugging and the murmur of unfamiliar voices.

When her heavy eyelids finally lifted, she found herself ringed by strange women. They bustled about,fussing over her hair and face as if preparing a porcelain doll.

It took a moment for her senses to align, but then, she realized she was seated before a large makeup mirror. The same business suit she had worn from work still clung to her body, though half her makeup had been scrubbed away.

"Where am I? Who are you?" Hannah demanded sharply, pushing to rise-only to discover her limbs were weak, as though chained by invisible weights.

The lead stylist, noticing her struggle, gave a polished professional smile.′′Ms. Scott, you're awake. This is the makeup room for the engagement celebration. We're here to prepare you for the event."

"Engagement celebration?" Hannah's heart dropped like a stone, dread rising in her chest. "Whose engagement celebration?"

The stylist blinked, surprised at the question, yet answered dutifully, "It's Mr. Hobbes' engagement celebration."

At that moment, a stylist assistant entered carrying an exquisite white wedding dress. She spoke softly,almost reverently. "Ms. Scott, your makeup and hairstyle are nearly finished. It's time to change into the wedding gown."

"Wedding gown?" Hannah's gaze froze on the dazzling fabric, her voice trembling with barely contained fury."Why on earth should I wear a wedding gown?"

She forced herself to steady her breath, though her mind raced like a wheel out of control. She must have been drugged and dragged here by Claude. But wasn't this supposed to be his engagement with Bonnie?Could it be that he intended to force her into this ceremony instead? Doubts and suspicions flooded in like a storm tide, and Hannah's face drained of color.

Several stylists moved forward, trying to drape the luxurious gown onto Hannah's shoulders.

But Hannah fought like a cornered bird, scratching one stylist assistant's arm with her nails in desperation."Let go of me! I won't wear it! Get away from me!" Her voice cut the room like glass.

With a crash, the door burst open. Claude strode in, his sharp gaze sweeping across the chaos before fixing on Hannah. His brow creased. "What's happening? Why isn't she in the wedding gown yet?"

The moment Hannah saw him, her fury found its mark. "Claude, have you lost your mind? What on earth are you trying to do?" Her whole body shook with rage. "This is abduction-illegal confinement! I'll call the police and have you thrown in jail!"

Claude, as if hearing a child's wild claim, gave a soft chuckle and walked toward her. He schooled his expression into a mix of grievance and false innocence. "Call the police? Abduction? Anna, I sent you an invitation. Today is my engagement celebration. Yet, you ignored me and refused even a reply. I had no choice but to fetch you myself. How could that be kidnapping?".

He spread his hands with a hint of smugness. "Besides, who would believe it? I erased the garage surveillance. When the police arrive, all they'll hear is my version-that you came of your own accord and simply changed your mind."

Hannah's heart plummeted. His calm confidence told her exactly why he dared act so boldly. She forced herself to think clearly. Her safety wristband was still fastened to her wrist, and Vincent had her location.Her only hope was that he would come quickly.

Her silence emboldened Claude, who mistook it for reluctant surrender. He stepped closer, pressing both hands on her shoulders and pushing her back into the makeup chair. Leaning down, he studied her exquisitely painted face through the mirror. "Be good, Anna. I won't harm you. I only want you to attend my engagement celebration."

Hannah's glare seared back at him from the mirror. "Attend your engagement? Claude, don't twist words!You're forcing them to put me in a wedding gown! If I'm right, this so-called engagement is actually meant for me. You want to force me into it, don't you?" For a fleeting moment, excitement and regret danced in his eyes. He laughed softly, tracing a finger along her cheek. "Clever as always. Yes, I dream of turning this dull engagement into our wedding this very instant."

But then, his voice shifted, restrained by cold reason. "Sadly, I can't. The risk is too great. So, for now,rest easy. All I ask is that you wear the gown and stand at my side during the celebration."

Hannah's disbelief burned through her calm façade. "If it's just attendance, then why the wedding gown?Why all this grandeur?"

Claude's gaze turned feverish as his fingers caressed the hem of the gown. "Because I want to see you in it.You must look like a bride-my bride. Nothing less will do."

Claude was determined to see Hannah in a wedding gown for him, even if it was at his engagement celebration with another woman.