Chapter 660

Vera was struck silent by the precision and authority in Kane's reasoning, her cheeks igniting with a deep, humiliating red.

Yet,her pride refused to let the matter die. She clutched at words like lifelines, her tone trembling between panic and pleading. "Mr. Sampson, please-pardon my poor manners earlier! But this project stands apart from my manners! You can't just dismiss my competence over something sO insignificant! I beg you, reconsider-surely we can revisit the terms!"

Kane's expression softened with a trace of pity as he regarded Vera, whose attempts to win a partnership had dissolved into a display of desperation and misplaced sentiment.

With a weary sigh, he prepared to refuse her outright-until a cool,steady voice interrupted.

"Miss Oliver," Hannah's composed tone cut cleanly through the tension. "Mr. Sampson is advanced in years and deserves a measure of peace. Wouldn't it be improper to press him so insistently?"

Hannah stepped forward without fanfare, taking her place beside Kane with quiet assurance. Her gaze met Vera's with an unspoken dominance that filled the space between them.

Vera,already simmering with humiliation, felt her anger surge higher at the sight of Hannah. Old resentment and new humiliation collided in a flash of bitterness as she snapped,"This is between Mr. Sampson and me. It's none of your concern,is it?"

Hannah's response came not with anger but with a faint smile

Hannah's response came not with anger but with a faint smile that curved her lips. "Oh, but it is my concern," she replied,her voice edged with calm precision. "First, Mr. Sampson is now my valued business partner, so his comfort and choices naturally matter to me."

She paused briefly and then continued with unmistakable clarity,"Second, you claim this is between you and Mr. Sampson, but moments ago, on that very stage, you sought to force a not-yet-finalized collaboration onto Mr. Sampson, leveraging his reputation to boost your own project. That made it a public spectacle. The second you turned it into an issue of professional ethics, it became fair ground for anyone to address. As a member of the same industry, I see no reason to stay silent."

Kane gave a faint nod, quietly endorsing her words. The surrounding guests, now fully aware of what had transpired,exchanged disdainful whispers, their glances toward Vera sharp with judgment.

Vera stood motionless, heat flooding her face as the weight of humiliation pressed down. Just as she struggled to steady herself, movement across the hall caught her eye-Vincent,making his way through the crowd. Relief flooded her like oxygen to a drowning soul.

Forcing a strained smile, she rushed to Vincent, calling softly,"Vincent! You came for me? I just need to wrap up a few things-it won't take long."

She leaned in, hoping to create a sense of intimacy. However,Vincent subtly shifted aside, preserving a courteous distance.His attention barely brushed her before sliding past-to Hannah,standing poised beside Kane.

At the sound of Vera's call, Hannah turned, her eyes settling on the pair. Recognition flickered in her mind like a spark catching flame.So that was why Vera looked familiar.

A faint. cold smile tugged at Hannah's lips as the memory surfaced: a financial headline featuring Vincent and Vera side by side, smiling for the cameras.

Bitterness traced the edges of Hannah's calm. For someone as absorbed in his work as Vincent, to personally fetch a woman -it must be something more than business. The thought darkened her mood before she could stop it, shadows crossing her otherwise composed expression.

By now, Vincent had reached Kane, his manner all respect and restraint."Mr.Sampson," he greeted warmly, "it's been a while.You look as vigorous as ever."

Kane's eyes lit with genuine pleasure. "Vincent! I didn't expect to see you here. It's been far too long!"

Kane studied Vincent for a moment and then glanced toward Hannah beside him, an idea forming with evident enthusiasm."Vincent,your Jones Group wields considerable influence.How about joining the new fund Hannah and I are developing?"

A smile touched his face as he continued, his tone brimming with approval, "This will be Hannah's first time leading such a venture, but she has built a strong foundation. Her insight and tenacity have been remarkable-far beyond her years."