Chapter 661

Kane remained oblivious to the tangled past between Vincent and Hannah. His thoughts were consumed by the pursuit of a mutually advantageous deal-one that could bring prosperity to every party involved.

Meanwhile, Vera, positioned slightly to the side, grew increasingly restless. She had meticulously arranged this banquet to elevate her own standing, yet somehow, the spotlight had drifted toward Hannah, even drawing Vincent into her orbit.

Panic flickered behind Vera's smile as she abruptly cut into the conversation, her voice edged with feigned concern. "Mr.Sampson, it's getting rather late, isn't it? You must be exhausted. I've prepared a car to take you home so you can rest properly!"

Her eagerness to send Kane off was palpable.

Hannah's calm voice soon followed, smooth and unhurried. "Mr.Sampson, allow me to drive you home."

Vera's expression hardened instantly. "That won't be necessary,Ms. Scott," she interjected briskly, her tone sharp. "I've already arranged everything for Mr. Sampson's evening. You don't need to trouble yourself."

At her cue, the vehicle she had prepared earlier rolled up to the entrance.

Kane, weariness faintly showing through his composed demeanor, gave her a small nod. "Thank you, Vera," he said appreciatively.

Just as the exchange settled, Vincent took a step forward,bowing slightly with deliberate courtesy.′′Mr. Sampson," he

ing slightly with deliberate courtesy. "Mr. Sampson," he began evenly, "regarding the investment partnership you mentioned earlier-the Jones Group finds it very promising.However, such an endeavor requires detailed analysis and careful assessment. Perhaps in the near future, I can continue this discussion with you and Ms. Scott more thoroughly."

As he spoke, his gaze intentionally drifted toward Hannah,who stood a few steps away. His tone conveyed deference toward Kane,cautious enthusiasm for the proposal, and the measured restraint of a man who understood diplomacy-all seamlessly intertwined.

Kane's smile deepened. "Very well. We'll revisit it when the time comes."

Vincent inclined his head respectfully. "Safe travels, Mr.Sampson."

Hannah stepped forward, sincerity softening her features. "Mr.Sampson, thank you for your time today. Take care."

A faint look of approval crossed Kane's face before he turned away,his assistant trailing behind as they exited the hall.

Once Kane departed, a heavy stillness settled near the entrance. The shift in atmosphere was subtle yet unmistakable.

Vera's calculating mind immediately whirred into motion.Watching Vincent and Hannah standing close by, she composed herself and flashed a cordial smile. "Ms. Scott," she said pleasantly, "since it's your first time attending one of my events, consider us friends now. A few of us are having a relaxed little get-together in the back lounge after this-just drinks and chatter. Why don't you join us? It'll be a great chance to get to know Vincent and everyone better."

Her tone was sweet, but her intentions were razor-edged. She didn't mind losing a business point tonight if it meant reminding Hannah who truly stood closer to Vincent.

Hannah,unwilling to engage in such games, answered without hesitation, "Thank you for the invitation, Miss Oliver, but unlike you, I don't have the luxury of unwinding tonight. There's still plenty of work waiting at the company. I'll be taking my leave."

Vera's smile faltered for half a second before she smoothed it back into place. Hannah's composure stung far more than an insult.

Still, Vera swallowed her irritation-she had plenty of ways to make Hannah uncomfortable if she dared to join. No need to win a verbal spat now.

"Now,now, Ms. Scott," Vera replied, feigning warmth. "Even the busiest people need a break sometimes! It's nothing formal -just a few friends, some light drinks, maybe a couple of fun games."

As she spoke, she reached out, attempting to hook her arm through Vincent's in a gesture that oozed familiarity. "Right,Vincent? We used to hang out like this all the time in high school."

But before her hand could touch him, Vincent moved with quiet precision, stepping aside just far enough to avoid her.

"No,thank you," Hannah said coolly, declining once again.She had no interest in watching Vincent indulge another woman's attention.

She turned to leave, but Vincent's calm voice suddenly broke the silence. "Are you afraid?"

Hannah froze mid-step, turning to meet his gaze. "Afraid of what?" she asked, her tone edged with defiance.

His lips curved slightly. "Then come."

Without waiting for her response, he strode toward the lounge where the private gathering was being held.

Vera quickly hurried after him, matching his pace and glancing back at Hannah with thinly veiled triumpoh.

Watching Vincent's retreating figure, Hannah muttered a few curses under her breath. What was there to feel uneasy about?It was just a party.

Straightening her shoulders, she followed after them, her pace deliberate and unhurried.

The back lounge was a world apart from the grandeur of the main banquet hall. Dim lighting bathed the space in a relaxed glow, and clusters of young men and women lounged comfortably on leather sofas, their laughter mingling with the clinking of glasses.

When Vincent and Vera entered, a cheer erupted from the group.

"Vera, Mr. Jones, finally! We thought you two ditched us!"

"Mr. Jones, still as dashing as ever! Vera, you really outdid yourself bringing him here!"

Vera basked in their teasing admiration, pride gleaming in her eyes. She shot a smug glance at Hannah-who had just walked in-before tugging gently at Vincent's sleeve. "Come sit here,Vincent," she urged lightly. "This spot has the best view."

But Vincent acted as though he hadn't heard her. Instead,he settled onto a single-seat sofa nearby, comfortably detached from the crowd.

Vera's hand hung awkwadly midair before she retracted it,covering her discomfort with a polished smile as she took a seat on the sofa beside him.

It was only then that one of Vera's friends, a young man named It was only then that one of Vera's friends, a young man named Boyce Hughes, noticed Hannah standing near the entrance.He leaned forward curiously, eyes narrowing with interest. "Vera,who's that?" he asked, his tone openly inquisitive.