Chapter 581

Vincent's gaze sharpened, a glint of menace in his eyes. "Oh? Let's hear it."

Brixton finally revealed his true purpose. "I want exclusive trading rights to the strategic deep-water port in Agosphia for the next ten years-along with half of the operational revenue."

An icy edge crept over Vincent's expression, chilling it further. "So that was your real aim from the start."Because of this port, Brixton had taken Hannah,leaving her to suffer all this time.

With a sharp lift of his eyebrow, Brixton's words carried firm determination. "Absolutely. The billion-dollar ransom was nothing but bait to get you here.Mr. Jones, we've had our eyes on that port for a long while."

He let the silence stretch before continuing in a drawl, "If Hoffman hadn't been such a fool-if he'd

been sharper, more capable-l wouldn't have had to get involved myself."

Vincent let out a bitter, humnorless laugh as the realization sank in-Hoffman had been working with Brixton all along. His mouth curved into a cold sneer."You're all the same-scheming in the shadows,too cowardly to face a man head-on. Women are the only ones you dare to harm."

Brixton only rolled a shrugged, his expression relaxed. "Well, your port is too tempting, Mr. Jones.In the end, only results matter-victory justifies everything." He tilted his head, eyes glinting with provocation. "So tell me-will you trade the port's rights for your woman's body?"

Vincent forced his features into a mask of thoughtfulness, stretching the silence to buy more time for Hannah. "Those trading rights aren't a toy.They involve countless partners and interests. I'll need time to wveigh the decision."

Brixton blinked, then threw back his head and laughed, the sound exaggerated and mocking."Hah! I thought you'd agree without hesitation. Looks like l overestimated how much Hannah means to you."

In that instant, one of Brixton's subordinates-Vulture -strode over and bent close, murmuring something urgent.

The carefree smile slipped from Brixton's face in a heartbeat. He stood abruptly and fixed Vincent with a sharp look. "Mr. Jones, you have three days to decide," he said coolly. "I expect to hear good news by then."

His tone dropped to a chilling edge as he added,"But let me remind you-Hannah's body won't be able to wait much longer."

Without another word, Brixton turned on his heel and stalked out of the warehouse, his entourage falling in behind him.

Vincent remained still, watching until their silhouettes disappeared into the night, his mind spinning with calculations.

A subordinate approached cautiously. "Mr. Jones,should we send a team to intercept them-to buy more time for Ms. Scott's sake?"

Vincent lifted a hand in a curt gesture. "No need. It's not time to rip the mask off just yet. Get word to Nate -tell them to pull back as planned and make sure everyone gets out safely."

"Understood!"

Soon, Brixton and his crew leapt onto the speedboat,the engine roaring to life.

Vulture hesitated, his brow furrowed, before he finally spoke. "Mr. Ward, if Vincent actually agrees to this deal, whose body are we giving him? We still haven't found Hannah's."

A lethal gleam settled in Brixton's eyes, sharp and unyielding. "What are you panicking for? When the time comes, we'll take care of Aanya-the one who dared to kill Hannah. We'll send her body instead.That should be enough." The one who truly ended Hannah's life-that would please Vincent greatly.

Brixton snapped back to the present, his tone sharp and edged with fury. "Step on it! I want to know who had the guts to mess with my place while I was away."

Aboard the Odin, the metallic air reeked of blood and gunpowder.

Nate got the retreat order and immediately began barking commands, pulling his team into formation.

Without a second thought, Hannah shoved Alfredo straight toward Nate.

With a jolt of shock, Alfredo staggered a step back."What are you doing?"

"He's getting you out of here," Hannah answered in a rush. "Nate, take her and go!"

Both Alfredo and Nate blurted out at once,"What about you?"

"I'm staying," Hannah replied, her tone cutting off any argument.

Nate's jaw tightened, panic flashing in his eyes. "No way-this is suicide! If Brixton comes back and sees this bloodbath, you'll be the first one he blames!"

"That's exactly why I can't leave." Hannah's words came fast, urgent. "If I run now and Brixton returns to find Scorpio dead and plenty of his men gone, he'll go mad-and these women will be the ones who suffer. If I stay, I can at least try to bargain with him and buy them a chance to live."

"But..." Nate began, but Hannah's sharp voiće sliced through his protest. "No buts! Time's running out.Get her out of here!"

Alfredo's gaze lingered on Hannah, her face twisted with conflict, before she snapped, "You think throwing your life away makes you some kind of saint? If you die here, Hannah, I won't mourn for you!"

Hannah's lips curved into a calm, almost defiant smile. "Relax, it'll take a lot more than this to kill me.Alfredo, walking out of this place means you get to start over. Let go of what happened here. If you have

a dream, a destination-find a man named Vincent Jones. Tell him the kind of life you want. He'll see you get the money, a place to stay, and protection."

Her words came fast, urgent, before she turned back to Nate, her tone turning firm. "Make sure nothing happens to her. That's not a request. It's an order!"