Chapter 637

Arthur dabbed at his eyes, voice breaking as he laid bare their predicament. "Sharon, truthfully, our household is floundering. We sold and pledged every asset within reach; still, the debts yawn like a chasm.If Vincent persists, we will be ruined. Today, I humbled myself and begged for mercy, but he remained stone-faced, utterly unmoved. I am at my limit, which is why I turned to you, Sharon. Please, for the sake of the friendship we've shared for decades,help the Griffin family. Give us a path back from this ruin."

Fred chimed in without delay, his voice thick with tears as he echoed the plea, "Mrs. Jones, please help us. Your grandson is being merciless. We're being driven to despair. Please intervene on our behalf."

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Vincent's forehead creased, a coId tension radiating from him.

Hannah listened as Fred's and Arthur's versions of events spilled out-twisted, selective, and nauseating to her core. Fred and Arthur had studiously avoided any mention of Rodney's crimes, painting themselves as victims and Vincent as the villain.

Unaware of the full story, Sharon's face hardened,and she turned to Vincent with a voice edged in rebuke. "Vincent, is what Arthur claimed true? Did you truly act this way? This is outrageous. Arthur has treated our family generously. Competing in business is one thing, but there are boundaries. The Jones family is far from destitute; why escalate to such extremes?"

Clearly, Sharon had been misled by Arthur and Fred,who fed her the notion that this was only ruthless commerce run amok.

Arthur and Fred exchanged a glance; hope flickered in their eyes like a small, relieved flame. They cared little for the particulars of Sharon's

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misunderstanding, so long as she took their side and pressured Vincent.

Vincent watched his grandmother, angry from the deceptive description, his brow tightening further.Still, he refused to drag Rodney's vile behavior into the open-he would not force Hannah to relive those wounds nor burden Sharon with sordid details.In a low tone, he said, "Grandma, I know what I'm doing.This situation is too distressing for you; let Derek take you home to rest."

Sharon bristled. "How could I leave now? Arthur fetched me here to complain. Now that it has reached this point, I cannot simply walk away."

Seizing the opening, Arthur prostrated himself in gratitude. "Sharon, we owe you everything. In critical times, you're the one we can rely on! Your coming means more than words can say."

Watching Arthur's theatrical gratitude, Hannah felt a hot anger rise. She recognized Vincent's silence for what it was: protection for her, a refusal to expose her wounds. Yet, she could not stand by and watch

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Sharon be manipulated by the Griffins' lies.

Hannah stepped forward and, with a gentle firmness,took Sharon's hand. "Sharon, there's been a grievous misunderstanding. Vincent's conduct is not rooted in business dealings."

Sharon stared at Hannah, confusion and curiosity mixed on her features. "Not business? Then what explains it?"

Hannah met her eyes and said plainly, "It concerns me."

Vincent moved to stop Hannah. "You don't have to go into it."

But Hannah shook her head, the resolve in her look

unshakable. "I'm fine." She turned back to Sharon."You should witness the true nature of your old friends. We must not allow the innocent to suffer

while the guilty evade accountability."

Seeing the determination in Hannah's eyes, Vincent clamped his lips shut and, though pained, did not

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stop her again.

Sharon, bewildered by the sudden shift, pressed for clarity. "This involves Anna? Explain-what's happening? Be frank."

Hannah said slowly, choosing each word with care,"A few nights ago, I attended a business dinner. A client slipped something into my drink; I nearly-I was almost raped."

She paused for a beat and then continued, "The person who orchestrated it is Rodney-Arthur's grandson."

Shock rippled across Sharon's face as she gripped Hannah's hand tighter. She whirled her gaze toward Arthur and Fred; disbelief, disgust, and a trembling indignation warred across her countenance. Only then did the pieces fall into place-she now got why the normally composed Vincent had reacted so severely to the Griffin family. His actions had been retribution for what had happened to Hannah.

Arthur scrambled to defend himself, voice reeking of

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desperation. "It was my reckless grandson who erred -but he failed in his attempt, didn't he? Ms.Scott is unharmed! Rodney has already been punished; he faces life behind bars! And he was harmed by Ms.Scott and will never father children in the future! Isn't that sufficient as punishment?"

He tried to muddy the waters, shifting the focus."The remaining Griffins are blameless. What guilt do they bear? Why is the entire clan targeted? Vincent wants our entire lineage to pay the price. Sharon,do you think that's fair?"

Fred rushed to echo the piteous appeal. "Mrs. Jones,please reason with your grandson! We admit our wrongs; have mercy on us!"