Chapter 29

Vincent's expression grew even colder. "What happened here? Tell me straight."

Brinley lowered her gaze, silent tears slipping down her cheeks.

Danica was the first to explode, grabbing Vincent's arm in outrage."I'd just finished breakfast and went up to check on Brinley. The moment I walked in, I found her in tears. No matter how many times I asked, she wouldn't say a word. That's when I knew-something serious had gone on."

"Get to the point," Vincent snapped, his patience wearing thin.

Danica hesitated for a moment, visibly irritated by the interruption, but then continued, "The point is-Brinley discovered that the harassment at the club was planned. And it was your wife who paid those men!"

Vincent's gaze locked on Brinley. "How do you know it was Hannah?"

Brinley looked as if she wanted to disappear, her face drained and uncertain, as though she hated being the one to speak. Danica rubbed her shoulder and remarked softly, "You can say it, Brinley. We're here to support you."

After that, Danica sent a sharp glare in Hannah's direction.

Hannah ignored her entirely, keeping her attention fixed on the supposed evidence. The phone's screen displayed screenshots of chat logs, messages Brinley claimed had been forwarded to her. The exchange discussed paying two men to scare a woman-harassment was the goal, but anything more would be fine.The payment shown was 100, 000 dollars. The transfer record read: Hannah Scott. This was a setup-meticulously planned from the start.

Hannah arched an eyebrow, looked at Brinley, and said calmly, "That wasn't my doing."

Danica sneered, "Still deny/it? Your name is right there!"

After the scene at breakfast, Danica had been itchy for an opportunity to bring Hannah down. This was exactly what she wanted.

Brinley lingered in silence, looking as if she was wrestling with herself, and finally managed to speak. "That night, after Vincent took me home, I couldn't stop having nightmares. I kept wondering what I'd done wrong,

so I hired someone to investigate. That's how I found those messages and the bank transfer." Tears rolled down her cheeks. "I just never imagined that Hannah would hate me enough to destroy me."

Danica pulled Brinley close, throwing an accusing finger at Hannah. "Did you hear that? And you still refuse to admit what you did? You malicious snake!"

Hannah let out a laugh. "Well, since you're so sure I paid off those men, then bring them in. Let's hear their story right to my face."

Brinley's crying became even more dramatic. "I... I just can't do that. I never want to see those men again.Just the thought of them makes me sick."

Hannah raised an eyebrow. "Or is it possible you're just scared of what might come out?"

Danica erupted. "How can you be so heartless? Can't you see she's traumatized? She doesn't want to relive any of it!"

Naturally, Danica took Brinley's side without question.

Hannah's voice grew cold. "Maybe the real reason Brinley won't face them is because none of it was real.Maybe the whole thing was staged. Maybe this little act is just a way to drag my name through the mud."

Danica flushed with rage."Unbelievable! First,you hurt her, and now, you call her a liar? You're despicable!"

Danica raised her hand, ready to slap Hannah. Vincent stepped in, catching Danica's wrist before she could follow through.