Chapter 11

Something hard flickered in Brinley's eyes, but the moment she noticed Vincent drawing near, a wounded expression replaced it. "Hannah, I was just asking. I didn't mean anything by it."

Hannah stepped forward, her tone bright with sarcasm."Oh, I was just giving you a heads-up.Nothing more."

Sharp-tongued and unbothered, Hannah left Brinley no room to fight back.

Nerves got the better of Brinley as she balled her hands into fists. But glancing at Vincent, she pasted on a sugary smile and slipped her arm through his."Vincent, you must be exhausted."

An uninterested glance from Hannah caught the scene, but she kept walking, ignoring them both.

Vincent gently untangled himself from Brinley's grasp. "GGo on ahead. I have something to discuss with Derek."

For a split second, Brinley hesitated. "Alright," she said, disappointment coloring her features as she turned away.

Right then, Derek hurried over from the car, holding a suit jacket. "Mr. Jones,your wife accidentally left this behind."

Shadowed eyes fixed on the jacket, Vincent's voice dropped. "Check who owns this jacket."

Uncertainty crept into Derek's question. "Alright.Should I return it to Mrs. Jones?"

"Get rid of it," Vincent said,his tone ice-cold.

Derek didn't dare argue. He nodded and left without another word.

Inside, the dining room was already set with dishes that smelled freshly made.

At the sound of approaching footsteps, Danica spun around with a bright greeting-her smile freezing instantly as she spotted Hannah. "Why are you back?" The warmth vanished.

A raised eyebrow from Hannah made her intentions clear."Am I not allowed to return here? Until I hand over the divorce papers, I still belong to this family.So I'll come and go as I please."

A shadow clouded Danica's face. "You've split from Vincent already. If you had any sense, you'd keep your distance. Why stick around-what's your real motive?"

Hannah let a brittle laugh fill the room."Oh, I see.The real problem is me ruining the happy little scene between Brinley and Vincent."

For once, Danica stayed silent, which said enough.

An edge crept into Hannah's smile. "Isn't it funny?You're so eager to see me out, but you haven't even handed over the properties you promised. Is this how you make good on your deals, Danica?"

"You keep acting like I'm dragging my feet. I told you it wasn't going to happen overnight. I gave you my word.What, do you really believe I'd hesitate over a handful of houses?" Danica's voice shot up as she got emotional.

At that moment, Vincent entered and caught the last part of the exchange. A frown creased his brow."What houses?"

Not bothering to spare him a look, Hannah simply lifted an eyebrow at Danica, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Yeah, what houses?"

Covering quickly, Danica waved off the question."Oh, it's nothing at all. Hannah was just interested in one of my properties. Isn't that right, Hannah?"

A sharp glance from Danica served as a silent warning.

Shrugging, Hannah gave her a cold, mocking smile."Whatever you say."

Choosing the seat beside Hannah, Vincent loosened his collar and settled in. "Mom's properties aren't half bad. Are you planning on living in one, or is this about investment?"

Hannah shot him a suspicious look. "Why does it matter to you?"

With a businesslike tone, Vincent replied, "I could help you make the right call." Years of experience had taught him how to spot a good deal. Every part of the Jones Group had flourished under his watch.

Hannah paused for a second and then said nothing.

While the conversation continued, Brinley remained off to the side, ignored and out of place. Fingernails biting into her palm, she kept her features smooth and pleasant. "Mrs. Jones, now that Vincent's back,why don't we all eat?"

Jumping in to smooth things over, Danica added,"Brinley put together the whole meal and wouldn't touch a single dish until you arrived, Vincent.She's always so With a small, demure smile, Brinley ducked her head."Mrs. Jones, you give me too much credit."

Brinley ladled soup into Vincent's bowl and placed it in front of him.

Looking around the table, Hannah asked, "Where's Sharon? Isn't she eating with us?"

Danica answered lightly, not missing a beat, "She's getting on in years and turned in early. Had some porridge and went straight to bed."

While talking, Danica continued to pile food onto Vincent's plate. "Here, have some more."

Watching Vincent closely, Brinley waited for his reaction. "Vincent, do you like the meal? I tried a new recipe."

Without much interest, Vincent barely touched the food before putting down his utensils. The soup went untouched. "There's no need for you to cook or serve me," he said, his voice indifferent. "Wehave plenty of staff for that."considerate."