Chapter 647

A fleeting image stirred in Vincent's mind-a woman once turned to smile at him just like this, a smile so tender that it could melt iron. Back then, he hadn't resisted; he had pulled her close and kissed her.

Though the memory had blurred with time, he was almost certain that woman was Hannah.That brief recollection flickered across his face like a shadow passing over water.

Instead of lifting the suitcase himself, Vincent gave a quiet order to the nearby servant. "Take Mliss Oliver's luggage to the guest room."

Without sparing Vera or Danica another glance, he walked toward the living room.

For an instant, Vera's smile faltered, but Danica quickly filled the silence with bright chatter, linking arms with her as though nothing had happened.

Once inside the Jones family's living room, Vera's eyes roamed about before she exclaimed, a touch dramatically, "Wow! After all these years, nothing has changed! It's exactly like it was when I visited back in high school!"

Danica chuckled and gave her hand a fond pat."We've grown attached to this house. Every corner holds a story, so we can't bring ourselves to change a thing."

Vera sank into the main sofa as if reclaiming a throne."Even though it's been ages since I was last here,it still feels so familiar-like I never left!"

"Then make yourself at home," Danica said warmly."Stay as long as you'd like."

"Gladly! Thank you, Danica!" Vera replied in a cheery tone before turning toward Vincent, who stood quietly by the window. With a misplaced confidence, she strode to him, attempting to loop an arm around his neck. "Vincent,did you hear that? We'll be living together again!Doesn't it bring back memories of those high school days?"

She referred, of course, to the time when her parents had been away on business and she had stayed here for a while, days she clearly remembered more fondly than he did.

But before her fingers brushed him, Vincent shifted aside, avoiding her touch with a movement so smooth that it felt rehearsed. His gaze was frost itself when he said, "Miss Oliver, please mind our boundaries."

Her hand froze mid-air, awkwardness clouding her face like a passing storm. She pouted and turned to Danica,half-complaining. "Danica, look at him! After all these years, he's still so cold. He won't even let me touch him!"

Danica quickly stepped in, smoothing over the moment with a soft tone. "Vera, don't take it to heart.He's like that with everyone-it's nothing personal." Vera forced a laugh, feigning generosity. "Alright, For your sake, I'll let it slide."

Vincent had already tuned them out. He loosened his tie, irritation flashing briefly in his eyes. He still had a strong aversion to women who pushed boundaries and threw themselves at him. Yet, why was it that when Hannah drew near, even closer than this, he didn't recoil? Her touch didn't provoke annoyance;it kindled something entirely different. Desire.

He quickly shook off the thought. Now was not the right moment to dwell on it.

Just then, the sound of a cane echoed from the hallway, and Sharon appeared, moving with measured grace.

The moment Vera saw Sharon, her face lit up with delight. She rushed over and wrapped Sharon in a hug. "Sharon, I've missed you so much! Did you miss me?"

Sharon smiled and patted her back gently. "Of course, I did. Let me take a good look at you." When Sharon pulled away, her eyes softened. "Still as pretty as ever-you haven't changed at all."

Vera straightened proudly, teasing, "Oh, but I have changed! I've grown taller-and these have grown bigger too!"

She made an exaggerated gesture toward her chest.

Traditional as Sharon was, her cheeks warmed with embarrassment. She lightly tapped Vera's arm. "A young lady shouldn't talk like that!"

Vera only laughed it off. "Come on, it's just us here!"Her gaze flickered toward Vincent, hoping he'd glance over.

But Vincent didn't. His attention was fixed on his phone, brows drawn slightly together as though waiting for something important.

Soon, a servant entered to announce that dinner was ready.

Vincent slipped his phone into his pocket. "You all go ahead," he said coolly. "I'll change first." He headed upstairs and took a quick shower. When he emerged, dressed in casual clothes and fastening his last button, the door suddenly swung open.

Vincent's expression hardened instantly. Standing there, uninvited, was Vera. His tone dropped to a glacial calm. "Has no one ever taught you to knock before entering someone else's room?"