Chapter 563

Brixton's piercing stare swept over the disguised Vincent and his crew from his position. Like a shard of winter, his voice sliced through the air. "The third deck's all men. There's no woman you're looking for."

Vincent assessed the situation, quickly concluding there was no reason for this man to lie.

Nate instantly played his part, plastering on a rueful look. "What a shame. My boss is picky-guess he's got nowhere to spend his cash tonight."

Vincent played along, shaking his head with mock disappointment before turning away. He led his men down the stairs.

For a moment, Vincent nearly let go of the hope gnawing at him. Maybe Hannah really wasn't here.

Then, just as he and his crew stepped onto the first deck and prepared to leave, Vincent's head tilted up. A speedboat glided toward the yacht, the night air thick with engine fumes. Several figures jumped ashore.

Vincent's stare locked in place. The person in the center walked with her head slightly bowed,a bag clutched close to her body. There was no mistaking that silhouette. It was Hannah.

A rush of wild elation tore through Vincent, nearly cracking the mask of calm he wore. His jaw locked hard as he fought the overwhelming urge to sprint forward and sweep Hannah away.

Thoughts raced through his mind, and in that moment, he made a bold decision. Pivoting sharply,he threw a searing glance at Hannah and deliberately let arrogance drip from his voice. "Hold it! This one looks interesting. I'll take her."

Vincent flicked a signal to Nate, who snapped open the case he carried, followed by the four trailing guards revealing neat stacks of crisp dollars.

"Five cases up front," Vincent announced with practiced swagger, his tone carrying an edge of command. "She's coming with me tonight."

Vincent's gaze locked on Hannah's, burning with a message he hoped she'd understand.

At first, Hannah failed to recognize Vincent-his beard and altered demeanor made him look like a stranger. Panic flashed through her, a rush of dread that she'd stumbled into even more danger. But then he spoke, and the sound of his voice pierced straight through her fear. Recognition hit like a lightning strike, nearly bringing tears to her eyes.

She dropped her gaze at once, digging her nails into her palm until it hurt, forcing herself to stay composed. Not here. Not now. If she so much as flinched, Brixton would notice-she couldn't risk it.

Scorpio gawked, stunned speechless by Vincent's grand gesture. His instinctive glance darted to Brixton for direction.

Brixton's expression had turned thunderous, his eyes carrying a dangerous edge. Moving deliberately down the steps, his presence radiated threat, his voice cuutting like ice. "She isn't for sale-no matter the price."

Determined not to falter, Vincent held Brixton's glare without flinching. "So what's the problem-money not enough for you?" He tossed the words out like bait, hoping cash would open a door.

"It's not about the money." Cold and precise,Brixton's voice cut through, each word clipped."She's with me."

Vincent's mouth curved into a cold smile. "Doesn't look that way from here." His gaze slid past Brixton,locking on Hannah with a deliberate spark of provocation. "Hey, gorgeous. How about you tell me yourself-want to walk out of here with me?"

Vincent closed the distance with a bold step forward.That was the last straw for Brixton.

A shot cracked through the air, the deafening sound ringing across the deck. The bullet clipped Vincent's armn before embedding in the planks at his feet.

With a furious snarl, Brixton snapped, "Back the hell off!"

Vincent reacted on instinct, yanking HHannah aside just as the shot went off.

Chaos erupted in an instant-bodyguards on both sides had their guns out, fingers tense on the triggers.

Taking advantage of the noise, Vincent bent close to Hannah, his breath brushing her ear. "I'll get you out of here," he murmured urgently.

Hannah's pulse pounded, but her mind stayed razor-sharp. "Not now," she whispered, barely moving her lips. "Did you notice what's happening on the second deck?"

"I saw," Vincent confirmed with a sharp nod.

"I can't just think about myself," Hannah said quickly,voice low but steady. "We need to get every woman off this ship. Now that you're here, I have confidence!"