Chapter 538

Vincent fixed his eyes on Erica, yet his expression carried not a trace of feeling. "You've committed murder and engaged in unlawful dealings. Whether compelled by conscience or guided by the sake of social stability, I have to uphold justice and send you to jail."

"Uphold justice? Ha-ha! What a noble act!" Erica sneered through strained laughter, tears of outrage shimmering in her gaze. "After alI these years of affection, all these seasons of loyalty and patience, the only reward I get is your icy declaration of upholding justice? Vincent, you are something else. You are merciless!"

Vincent's restraint reached its limit. He reiterated his single demand, his tone heavy with insistence."Let′S put the past behind us. Where is Hannah?"

The finalfragment of hope inside Erica's chest splintered apart. She lifted her palm and harshly brushed away the moisture from her face.

A frigid curve tugged at her lips, her cadence shifting into a clipped, transactional rhythm. "Produce one billion in currency. Old notes, without tracking. Also, a chartered jet stocked with fuel, stationed at the deserted terminal on the western edge of the city. Bring no guards; you must appear alone."

She withdrew her phone and hastily typed a message. "Exact coordinates and timing-await further word.If you obey, you'll see your beloved one soon."

Vincent's device instantly buzzed with a location alert. He opened it, his forehead creasing severely-the marker pinpointed a distant nation overseas. How had they succeeded in transferring Hannah abroad in so little time? The influence and efficiency backing this group exceeded every measure of his predictions.

"I need assurance of Hannah's well-being first," Vincent asserted with firm bargaining weight. "A billion is far from trivial. I have the right to confirm she's safe now. You must provide certainty, or I won't simply hand over the money."

Erica's pupils flickered faintly, not refusing outright. "I'll need to evaluate that request." She produced another device and began tapping, clearly requesting approval from those orchestrating events behind her.

Vincent observed her movements intently, growing more convinced that she was not the one in charge.

After a while, Erica lifted her head and offered a middle ground, saying, "Here's the deal: when you bring the money to the final location I provide, you'll be shown a recording of Hannah proving she remains alive."

Vincent realized pressing harder would yield no results and could even provoke risk, placing Hannah in jeopardy. He finally declared with a grave timbre, "I'll prepare immediately. But if I don't see her or if she's harmed in any way, Erica, you comprehend the consequences."

He pivoted to depart without granting her another look.

"Vincent!" Erica suddenly cried after him.′′One last question... When you believed I perished in the blaze,did you ever shed a single tear for me?"

Vincent's stride never faltered, nor did he glance back."No."

Erica stood rooted, her lips twisting into a smile more painful than tears. Her decade-long humble infatuation ended in such a complete failure, leaving her completely undone.

Rather than return to the Jones family manor, she drifted to her secluded apartment, drowning in despair.

For the first occasion, she hadn't come to torment Logan, who remained confined in the guest room.Instead, she walked into his room, threw herself into his embrace as he sat by the window, sunk in reflection, and clutched him with desperation, sobbing uncontrollably. "Logan, you're all that's left for me now...I truly only have you..."

Logan froze, his frame rigid, a glimmer of conflicted dread flashing across his stare. He wavered briefly before finally lifting his hand, awkwardly patting her shoulder without speaking.

Meanwhile, within the stronghold of Brixton, since Hannah's failed escape and subsequent recapture, her treatment appeared to have undergone subtle changes. She was no longer restrained or confined to the windowless chamber but permitted to remain within the primary residence where Brixton stayed. Though still under restriction, she possessed slightly broader freedom.

Brixton had even ordered that she be kept in his presence, supervised personally by him.

Hannah hadn't given up. She attempted escape on several more occasions, yet every effort, no matter how carefully devised, was swiftly foiled by Brixton's men.

This time, she was once again brought before Brixton.

Brixton did not display fury but instead a mocking delight. Reclining indolently on the vast sofa, he idly spun a blade, a taunting grin curling his mouth. "Do you understand why I no longer shackle you? Because I'm certain you cannot slip beyond my hold. This island is your cage. You can only remain obediently at my side,so abandon those wasted struggles."