Chapter 585

After an extended stretch of silence, Brixton finally broke it, his words laced with an icy sharpness that carried an almost lethal weight. "Which fisherman dares to act with such recklessness? Tell me who it is,and I'll see that his entire bloodline pays the price."

Hannah's chest tightened violently, her pulse hammering as she shook her head with urgency. "Please, that isn't necessary! I've already returned here, and I want nothing more to do with him. And besides-he did save my life. I won't repay kindness with cruelty."

Brixton's gaze lingered on her, and then a faint smirk twisted his lips. "You always flinch the moment killing is mentioned. It unsettles you more than anything else."

A chill raced through Hannah's body; beads of cold sweat slid down her spine. Forcing her voice steady, she replied firmly, "I just can't joke about such things."

Just then, Vulture approached, having settled the ashes-delivery to the dead's families, his demeanor suggesting he had something to report to Brixton.

Sensing her chance, Hannah lowered her eyes and murmured, "If you've nothing else for me, l'll return to my room."

She didn't wait for Brixton to answer. With hurried steps, she slipped away. Only once she was far from Brixton's sight did she press her weight against the cold wall, gasping unevenly for breath. Brixton's doubts hadn't vanished; he had simply chosen not to pursue them-at least for now. Every step she took from here on would have to be guided by the sharpest caution.

Meanwhile, aboard the Windchaser, tension hung over the deck like a storm cloud.

Vincent stood rigid at the railing, his eyes narrowing as Nate's speedboat drew near. When he saw the group climbing aboard, his heart sank-the one face he longed for wasn't among them.

The boat thudded against the side, and Nate came up quickly with his men, Alfredo walking in their midst. Vincent's piercing eyes swept over the arrivals. "Where is Hannah? She didn't come back with you?"

Nate's head dipped, unease etched across his features. "Ms. Scott insisted on remaining."

Vincent's voice erupted with raw urgency. "What madness is this? Doesn't she realize how grave the danger is now?"

Nate's tone was heavy with frustration. "We tried everything to sway her, but she wouldn't yield. She said she had her reasons, and that you would understand."

Vincent could almost picture Hannah's stubborn exporession as she said those words. He knew her better than anyone; once her resolve hardened, no one could undo it. His men couldn't sway her.He forced himself to calm-now was not the moment to dwell on anger or blame.

Vincent's attention shifted sharply to the unfamiliar young person standing behind Nate. "Who is this?" he asked, his frown deepening.

Nate stepped aside respectfully. "Mr. Jones, this is the girl Ms. Scott risked everything to rescue."

Realization dawned on Vincent instantly. "You're Alfredo?"

Vincent remembered Hannah's hidden notes, how she had spoken of this girl's plight and her hope for the girl to live a life free of chains.

Alfredo raised her chin and met Vincent's eyes without fear. "So Hannah told you about me? Then you must be Vincent."

"I am," he replied with a nod.

Alfredo scrutinized him, her tone direct and even a bit sharp. "And what exactly are you to Hannah?"

Vincent didn't hesitate. "Her husband."

Alfredo blinked, faintly surprised, before giving a half-smile. "Funny... You don't look like a married pair."

Vincent let her remark pass without reaction, his mind fixed on clarity and Hannah's safety. He cut to the point. "Hannah wants you to begin anew. What life do you dream of? Speak it, and I'll see it arranged. This sea is perilous-you'll be sent to the mainland immediately."

Confusion flickered in Alfredo's eyes. "I don't even know what I want. I don't know where I belong." She hesitated and then added, "Maybe I could stay and help. I don't want to remain in Hannah's debt."

Vincent shook his head at once. "She would rather you be safe. The truest repayment is to stay alive, away from this chaos."

Without further questions, he reached inside his jacket and withdrew a sleek black card. He extended it to her. "This card holds fifty million dollars, usable anywhere without a passwvord. Use it wherever you wish.Whether you build a new life or live in comfort, the choice is yours. Consider it your beginning."

Alfredo's throat tightened, her voice catching. "Why... Why would you do so much for me?"

Vincent's eyes locked with hers, unwavering. "Because Hannah asked it of me. She believes you're still young, with years ahead to reshape your fate. She wants to see you rise again, not broken, but full of life."

Then, from his pocket, he produced a business card and pressed it into her hand.