Chapter 603

Hudson jerked his head upward and bellowed, his voice like a wild beast breaking free, "What fault lies in my actions? Every move I made was for the glory and endurance of Agosphia. Sacrificing a handful of lives is nothing when weighed against the nation's progress. Their deaths serve the country; it should be counted as their highest honor. It is you, with your obstinate defiance, who stand in the way of Agosphia's rise.You-you are at fault!"

Sullivan's complexion drained as fury overtook him, and with no interest in further debate, he snapped, "You wretched madman! Folks,take him!"

The instant the words "take him" were spoken, a hardened light flickered in Hudson's eyes.He thundered back, "Don't trouble yourselves. I'll finish this by my own hand."

Before the echoes of his vow could fade, he sprang with startling speed at a nearby subordinate, ripping the pistol straight from the subordinate's belt.

All who watched assumed he meant to shoot himself and end everything in one final act of repentance.

But in the very next heartbeat, the weapon swung sharply, barrel locking directly onto Manas.

Hatred ignited in Hudson's glare as he spat venom through clenched teeth, "It's you who deserves to die,Manas Fernandez! Worthless fool-you're unfit for that throne! Get out of my sight forever!"

He pulled hard on the trigger.

A thunderous crack split the air. Yet, the shot had not erupted from Hudson's weapon. The bullet had come from Vincent's bodyguard, faster than anyone else could react.

A burst of blood erupted from Hudson's wrist, the firearm clattering uselessly to the floor as his shriek of agony rang out.

From the very instant Hudson seized the weapon, Vincent had turned to his bodyguard and conveyed his silent order. The bodyguard had executed the command with ruthless precision. Cold perspiration broke across Sullivan's brow. He barked furiously,"Bind him! Restrain him at once!"

The guards swarmed like a tide, forcing Hudson to the floor and shackling him without mercy.

When the danger passed, Sullivan and Manas strode to Hannah, admiration written plainly across their faces.

"Ms. Scott," Sullivan declared with genuine reverence,"you faced peril without faltering and handled the situation with meticulous care. Truly commendable!"

Manas inclined his head, his voice softened with gratitude. "Ms. Scott, you have removed a grave threat from Agosphia and averted calamity. In the name of our government, I extend our deepest thanks."

Hannah received their accolades without the faintest arrogance. With a measured nod, she answered with cool restraint, "Your words are too kind. I merely acted as necessity required."

Manas shifted toward Vincent, whose stern silence held the room in check, and spoke with deliberate warmth. "Mr. Jones, you have endured an ordeal beyond words. Once this matter is resolved, we'll hold a banquet to properly express our gratitude to both you and Ms, Scott."

Recognizing refusal would only complicate the moment, Hannah spoke swiftly before Vincent could object."We are grateful for your generosity, Mr. President. Once peace returns, we shall be honored to attend."

With heavy responsibilities awaiting, Manas and Sullivan traded final courtesies with Hannah before departing with their retinues. The reporters, their broadcast concluded, also withdrew in orderly fashion.

The moment the crowd dispersed, Vincent pivoted toward Hannah, his tone edged with displeasure."Who permitted you to accept that invitation on my behalf?"

Hannah met his cutting stare without flinching, calmly countering, "I accepted it for us, not just for you."

She didn't linger on his objection. Stepping forward with brisk resolve, she extended her hand to reach for his. "This is no time for quarrels. We must leave immediately."

Vincent's brows knitted in a sharp frown. He shook her hand off with deliberate force, his gaze icy enough to wound. "Do not touch me." A pang stabbed through Hannah's chest, but she stilled her turmoil, answering softly,"Very well, I won't.Nate has already secured a private jet and medical team. Hudson may have fallen, but his loyalists will likely cause chaos.Agosphia is about to erupt-we must escape at once."

Vincent studied her, the frost in his expression thawing slightly, though suspicion lingered."My men-they seem to heed you now more than me."

Her reply was steady, patient. "They aren't obeying me, Vincent. They are prioritizing your safety. Leaving is the only logical course, and no one understands that better than you."

He did not argue further, though his tone remained clipped. "I may have lost fragments of memory, but my mind and judgment are intact."

He could not deny what he had seen. This woman had outmaneuvered an adversary with remarkable acuity,exposing weaknesses, bending power to her will, marshaling even the media and the presidency itself. In doing so, she had not merely dodged a bullet-she had utterly dismantled her enemy. Such quick thinking and fearless action belonged not to the ordinary, but to the exceptional.

Hannah hesitated as his awareness of his memory lapse dawned on her. She then urged swiftly,"Since you understand, let's hurry. Tonight, Agosphia will undoubtedly shatter into unrest. It's the best time for us to leave."

Vincent strode toward the exit, his steps unyielding. As he passed her, he did not stop and only delivered a detached remark. "Sharp mind, decisive hand. You would make an excellent team member in the field."

Hannah froze where she stood. Watching his retreating figure, cold and impersonal, business carved into every line, disappointment tore at her. She swiftly buried the ache deep and then hastened to close the distance between them. Her voice rang firm and unyielding. "But Vincent, I have no wish to be your team member."