Chapter 628

Fred gave a hollow, almost mechanical laugh before forcing the conversation to its core. "Mr. Jones, you're straightforward, so let me be blunt. My son, Rodney-an endless source of frustration to his mother and me -seems to have provoked your anger last night and somehow ended up under your custody. I'd like to know when I can take him back from your hands. His mother's beside herself, and if I don't get him home soon,our household will erupt into chaos."

Vincent raised his teacup, gently blew on it, and replied in a voice that carried a faint amusement, "Your son,you say? I thought Rodney was just some unhinged stray-foaming at the mouth and snapping at anything that moved."

Fred's face fell with humiliation. He forced a grin that looked more like pain than politeness. "Ha... Mr. Jones,you surely know how to joke. He's our only child-spoiled, pampered, never learned restraint. He's always been a little wild, especially around women. But last night, he was only indulging in harmless fun at our own hotel. Wasn't it somewhat inappropriate for you to storm in with your men like that?"

Vincent's gaze sharpened, his eyes narrowing to a dangerous slit. He placed the cup down with deliberate calm and rose from his seat.

Crossing the space between them, Vincent reached for the cigarette pack on the table, drew one out,and struck a light. Before Fred could even register the movement, he pressed the glowing tip against the back of his exposed hand.

A soft sizzle broke the silence.

"Ah!" Fred's scream tore through the air. He yanked his hand back, the skin scorched and smoking.

Vincent looked down at Fred, his expression unreadable, his tone carrying the weight of cold authority.′′YOU think you can lecture me on what's proper? Let me make something clear, Fred. Your son didn't just misstep -he has crossed someone he shouldn't have. This time, neither your influence nor your money will shield him.And if you keep testing me, you won't survive it either." Vincent turned on his heel and strode toward the exit, the sound of his boots echoing in the stunned silence.

Derek immediately fell in behind him, his face pale.

Once they were outside and settled in the car, Vincent's voice cut through the tension with calm precision."Find out everything-every name, every ally backing the Griffin family. I want their entire foundation torn apart. The Griffin Group is finished."

A chill swept through Derek's chest. He straightened instantly. "Understood, Mr. Jones."

Derek sensed that this time, Vincent's wrath was absolute. Fred had stepped on the one nerve no one dared touch.

At the same time, Rodney had been officially taken in by the police for questioning.

Hannah directed Nate to prioritize the safety of the women who had come forward with medical records and signed statements-to ensure they and their families remained untouchable by any retaliation from the Griffins.

Once the crisis had been contained, she returned to her duties at Luminara Group, immersing herself completely in work.

She neither called Vincent nor received any message from him in the past two days. She focused all her attention on her work.

However, the uproar surrounding Rodney's case was far from over.

That day, a court summons landed on her desk-Fred was suing her for intentional assault.

To make matters worse, word of her private handling of Rodney somehow slipped into company channels,spreading like wildfire among Luminara Group's upper management.

A few executives who had long been dissatisfied with Hannah's leadership seized the moment to convene an emergency board meeting, citing "ethical misconduct" and"∈proper professional behavior." The atmosphere inside the conference room was razor-tight.

Seated around the table were the key figures of the company: Adrian, her trusted deputy; and Hodge Carman, the newly appointed vice chairman whose hostility toward Hannah was barely concealed.

Hodge was the first to strike. "Ms. Scott, what you did was reckless. Do you even realize the damage?Griffin Group is a major potential partner, and their distribution network is crucial for our next expansion phase!"

An executive quickly backed him. "Exactly! Our industry thrives on alliances, not conflict. By sending Rodney to the authorities and handling things so aggressively, you've burned a valuable bridge and jeopardized our strategic interests! You're ignoring the overall interests.of the company, lacking a sense of the bigger picture!"

"Indeed!" Hodge's tone grew sharper with every word."Our company is at a turning point, Ms. Scott. Every opportunity matters. Yet, you chose to ruin a partnership just to satisfy some personal grudge!"

Through their tirade, Hannah remained still, seated at the head of the table. Her expression was unreadable,her composure unnerving. Once they finished their statement, she let out a quiet, mirthless laugh. "That's easy for you to say."

Leaning forward slightly, she pinned Hodge with a piercing stare, her voice edged with cold amusement."SO let me get this straight-you think Rodney drugging me and trying to violate me was no biggie? Listening to you,one might almost think you're disappointed I didn't go through with it. Would that have made you feel better if I'd just traded my body to close the business deal?"