Chapter 27

Sharon gave Vincent a worried look. "I know work keeps you busy, but your health should come first.You need to look after yourself, Vincent."

Vincent offered a quick reassurance. "I will,Grandma." Yet, his gaze drifted to Hannah instead of Sharon.

Danica didn't look pleased. She hated hearing anyone suggest her son might have any shortcomings. She hissed, "Have you no shame,Hannah? How can you talk about something so personal in front of everyone?"

"You were the one who brought it up," Hannah answered, her tone even.only explained why there hasn't been a pregnancy. If you didn't want the answer, you shouldn't have asked. Honestly, I don't care to talk about it either."

Danica sputtered, caught off guard. Hannah had become far bolder lately, never biting her tongue anymore.

But Danica kept telling herself he would only need to tolerate Hannah for a little while longer. Ten more days, at most. She clung to her authority. For now she could still give orders. She shifted her tone and yelled at Hannah, "Go clean out the attic after breakfast!"

Everyone knew that old attic was filled with clutter.Danica just wanted to give Hannah a hard time.

Hannah's reply was flat and direct. "No. I'm not here to play maid."

The last two days, while things were icy between Vincent and Hannah, Danica was eager to pile on more chores, but Hannah refused to do any of them.

Danica rolled her eyes. "Really? All I asked was to move some boxes. Is that such a burden?"

Setting her spoon down, Hannah flashed a dry smile.

"Exactly. I'm much too delicate for that. I can't handle heavy lifting."

"You are absolutely the wrong kind of person to marry into the Jones family!" Danica slammed her hand down hard on the table.

Hannah retorted, "If being your daughter-in-law means I'm just a servant, then I don't want the role at all."

Tension filled the room. Danica drew a breath to argue, but Sharon spoke up. "Enough, both of you.Can we please finish breakfast without turning it into a fight?"

Danica tried to justify herself. "She doesn't show me any respect."

Sharon said calmly,"And you haven't exactly shown her much respect either. Giving her chores? That was out of line."

Once upon a time, Sharon had managed the entire household on her own-her voice still commanded

attention. Just a few words from her were enough to put Danica in her place.

Nobody else dared to direct another comment at Hannah for the remainder of breakfast.

After the meal, Vincent fixed his mother with a stern look. "Stop ordering Hannah around like she's just the help. She's my wife."

Returning to her room, Hannah settled at her desk and began sketching a floral brooch for Sharon's birthday celebration. She had never studied design formally, but she picked up drawing for Vincent's sake. She had already settled on the gladiolus. Its symbolism of honor and strength felt like a fitting way to celebrate Sharon's life.

So deep in concentration, Hannah barely noticed when the door opened. Vincent leaned in close,curiosity clear on his face. "What are you working on?"

Startled, she quickly pulled the sketchbook away."Nothing important. Shouldn't you be at the office?"

She only wanted him out of the room.

His hand slipped up her skirt. "No stamina, huh?"

Hannah swatted his hand away and stood up.

Vincent pressed her gently against the wall, turning the lock on the door behind him.

She pressed her hands against his chest to create some distance and asked, "What's gotten into you?"

"I just want to show you there's nothing wrong with my stamina," he replied, his grin growing wider.

She tried to push him away.are you out of your mind? It's the middle of the day."

"So?" He dipped his head and kissed her without warning.

Hannah clamped her mouth shut and pushed against his chest.

Vincent kissed her hard, insistent.

She fought back, but for a split second, she faltered and he took his chance. His tongue chased hers,relentless.

Cornered, Hannah bit his lip, leaving the taste of blood between them.

He jerked back,startled.

A spark of mischief danced in Hannah's eyes as she wiped her mouth. "Vincent, your kissing skills have gotten worse."