Chapter 573

A flicker of thought crossed Scorpio's eyes before he finally said, "It's hard to say whether Vincent believed that corpse was Hannah. He's unpredictable. Still, he got back to us." He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "He wants to meet with you personally,Mr.Ward."

A dangerous spark lit up in Brixton's gaze, cold and calculated. "Good. A face-to-face is long overdue.

Time to settle this." His tone hardened, carrying an icy edge. "Don't take your eyes off Hannah-not for a second. I won't tolerate any mistakes while I'm dealing with Vincent. And above all-don't let them meet."

"Understood!" Scorpio straightened, determined."I'll double the men guarding her."

Brixton's gaze drifted toward the window, catching

the deepening night sky. His brows drew together as he queried, "It's already dark. Why on earth hasn't Hannah brought dinner?"

Normally speaking, by this time, Hannah would have already appeared with the evening meal.

Scorpio froze for a beat before replying, "I'll check it out right now."

Before he could move, a soft knock echoed at the door.

Scorpio pulled it open to find Aanya standing there,balancing a tray in her hands.

A shadow crossed Scorpio's face as his brows drew together in a frown. "Why is it you? Where's Hannah?"

Stepping inside with quiet composure, Aanya set the tray down and spoke gently to Brixton. "Mr. Ward,Hannah suddenly felt sick. It seemed she had eaten something that upset her stomach, and she is resting in her room now. She insisted | bring your dinner

instead."

Brixton's gaze fixed sharply on her. "She's sick?"

"That's right," Aanya replied calmly. "But it doesn't seem serious. A bit of rest should do the trick. Go on and have your dinner, Mr. Ward. It's at its best while it's still hot."

Brixton only flickered his hand in a dismissive gesture. "Just leave it right there."

"Of course." Aanya stepped forward and carefully set the tray on the table, but her feet lingered. She stole a quick look at his face and then drew a steadying breath. "Mr. Ward, would you like to hear a joke before dinner? Something to lighten the mood?"

Brixton's voice came out low and firm. "No need.Without Hannah, what's the point of jokes?"

He wanted laughter-Hannah's laughter-because it softened the edges of his world.

Picking up his fork, he tasted the first bite. His brows knitted instantly, and he spat the food back onto the

plate with visible irritation. "Hannah didn't cook this,did she?"

Aanya's stomach dropped, her polite smile faltering as she rushed to explain, "She wasn't feeling well tonight, so I prepared the meal myself. Is it not to your liking? Please-tell me what's wrong, and I'II make it right next time."

Brixton set his utensils down with a sharp clink, his icy gaze cutting across Aanya like a blade. "This is terrible. From now on, HHannah handles every meal of mine. If anyone else cooks, don't bother bringing it to me."

The command landed like a verdict, final and merciless. Aanya's face drained of color, resentment and hurt twisting in her chest. She hesitated before daring to protest, her voice almost pleading, "Is my cooking really so different from Hannah's, Mr.Ward?If there's something wrong, tell me-I can learn and improve."

A chill settled over Brixton's face, wiping away every trace of warmth. "Did you not understand what l

said?"

Aanya flinched, her shoulders curling inward. "N-no, I understand! I'll go right now!"

She turned on her heel, fleeing the room as if the very air had turned to ice.

Scorpio stood off to the side,his voice carrying a hint of warning. "Mr. Ward, Aanya's been acting bolder around you lately-reckless, even."

Brixton let out a cold, dismissive snort, offering no comment on this. Instead, he cut straight to business. "Why haven't you handled the task?"

His tone made it clear he meant checking on Hannah and delivering the medicine.

Scorpio faltered, momentarily taken aback by Brixton's sudden concern for Hannah's condition.After a pause, he couldn't help but speak up. "Since you care that much about Ms. Scott, why not go see her yourself?"

The words had barely left his mouth when Brixton's icy glare pinned him in place. "Seems you're growing bold as well."

A chill ran down Scorpio's spine. Realizing his slip, he quickly bowed. "Forgive me, I crossed the line-1'take care of it immediately!"

Without waiting for a response, Scorpio turned and hurried out.

Scorpio worked fast and came back with a grim look."Mr. Ward, there's a problem. I went to Ms, Scott's room-it's empty! She was supposed to be resting,wasn't she? She's vanished without a trace. I've checked with everyone-no one's laid eyes on her.Could she have taken the chance to slip away?"

The moment the words landed, a storm cloud swept across Brixton's face. He strode quickly toward Hannah's room. Left wide open, the doorway offered a view of the silent, empty space beyond.

Brixton's first thought was the same as Scorpio's.She had escaped! The seemingly meek and obedient woman had found the opportunity to run away.