Chapter 609

Vincent's expression shifted, surprise flashing across his features as Hannah entered, flanked by uniformed police officers. He had assumed she had walked away of her own accord, yet instead, she had reappeared at Jones Group accompanied by law enforcement.

The instant Erica's gaze collided with the officers, the color drained from her face,and terror carved deep across her rigid features. The weight of her crime pressed down-she had taken a life, and the shadow of prison loomed inevitable. That dread snapped something inside her, dragging her mind to the edge of unraveling.

With reckless ferocity, Erica shoved Logan into the officers' path and lunged for the box cutter lying on the polished conference table. She snapped open the blade in one swift motion, looping her arm around Hannah's neck and driving the knife against the tender artery beneath her skin.

"Don't move! Anyone comes closer, and she dies!" Erica's scream, frenzied and sharp, cut through the charged silence.

A faint crimson mark bloomed on Hannah's throat where the steel pressed.

The atmosphere fractured, panic tearing through the room.

The officers halted mid-step, taut and poised to strike.

Vincent's brow knit together, a grim awareness flashing in his mind-matters had just become infinitely more perilous.

Yet Hannah, even with cold steel biting her flesh, radiated unshaken composure. She exhaled slowly, her voice threaded with weary disdain. "Erica, you've committed countless blunders, but the dumbest one was taking me hostage."

Before the threat could fully settle, Hannah moved with precision.

The moment Erica's unstable emotions loosened the grip, Hannah drove her head sharply backward, the

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blow slamming into Erica's nose with brutal accuracy. Simultaneously, her elbow rammed viciously into Erica's ribs.

"Ah!" Erica shrieked, flailing the box cutter wildly.

In the struggle, Hannah caught the blade, but the chaos turned against Erica herself-the edge raked savagely across her cheek, slicing a gaping linefrom cheekbone to jaw. Blood poured down in relentless streams.

In the same motion, Hannah wrenched free, her elbow unintentionally into Erica's nose.

A sickening crack echoed through the chamber. Erica's nose collapsed grotesquely, the surgical implant clearly jolted loose.

"My nose! My nose!" Erica's voice shredded into a howl, both furious and anguished, as she clutched her ruined face, blood smearing her fingers until she looked both monstrous and pitiable.

Every eye in the room turned, riveted by the ghastly spectacle. Horror rippled outward, but beneath it simmered raw contempt-the sight of Erica's mangled features drew nothing but revulsion.

Erica felt it, the weight of their disgust piercing her from every direction. Wildly, she tried to cover her face with trembling hands and strands of hair, frantic to vanish from their stares.

And then, in the midst of her degradation, Logan stirred. Wordless, he slid his jacket from his shoulders,crossed the distance quickly, and lowered it gently over Erica's head. The fabric shielded her, severing the searing gazes.

Then, Logan raised his eyes toward Officer Gavin.′′Officer, we'll comply. But could you cuff us together?"

Hannah faltered at his words, her breath catching. From her recollection of the investigation, Erica had trapped Logan in an apartment like a caged animal-denying him his own name, robbing him of freedom,and forcing him to exist as another man's imitation.

Hannah had believed Logan's hatred for Erica ran bone-deep. Yet here he was, requesting to be handcuffed at Erica's side. Had those twisted years warped into a grotesque form of devotion?

The answer remained outside Hannah's reach.

Gavin's brows drew together, but after a moment, he gave a short nod.

Two officers stepped forward, snapping cold steel around Erica's and Logan's wrists, locking them together.

Erica drifted in her delirium, mumbling incoherently as she leaned against Logan, her body guided by the police toward the exit.

At last, the volatile storm ebbed, the ordeal drawing to its end.

The conference room collapsed into stillness.

Vincent, seated at the head of the table, revealed nothing in his expression. He tapped his fingers lightly against the surface, drawing every gaze back to him. "Alright. Enough interruptions. The shareholders'meeting resumes now. Let's get down to business."

His gaze swept across the gathering with iron command."For two months, our company has endured some incidents. I expect a full account of our operations, updates on projects in motion, and strategies for the future. Begin with the ventures Erica was intent on selling."

From the doorway, Hannah lingered, watchingVincent handle the situation with effortless authority,reclaiming control with sharpened precision. Not a trace of his memory loss betrayed him, nor did it hinder his decisive leadership.

She exhaled softly, relief flowing through her chest, for she knew he no longer required her presence at his side.