Chapter 38

A glimmer of satisfaction flickered in Hannah's eyes as Vincent's expression turned stormy. She turned on her heel and walked into the bathroom.

A meticulous makeup routine followed-foundation,blush, eyeliner, lipstick-each detail flawless. With a trip to the police station ahead, Hannah wasn't leaving anything to chance.

Spotting her reflection, Vincent straightened his tie and watched the pleased smile touch her lips. "Where are you headed today?" he asked quietly

Bright as day, Hannah met his gaze in the mirror."That's none of your concern."

In a flash of frustration, Vincent flung his watch onto the dresser, seized her wrist, and pressed her firmly against the vanity.

Without bothering to look up, Hannah tried to twist away from his grip, irritation in every movement.

"Why do you shy away from me? Is there something you're trying to keep from me?" Vincent pressed and tightened his grip on her.

His gaze lingered over her face. Her makeup only heightened her natural beauty. He was momentarily dazed and couldn't tear his eyes off her.

Sensing his brief distraction, Hannah wrenched free and scowled. "Quit grabbing me.I'mnotyour property."

A heavy silence hung in the air as Vincent reclaimed his watch. "Your lipstick's smeared," he said flatly

Once he left, Hannah checked her reflection again.Not a single flaw could be found-her lipstick was as perfect as before. Shrugging it off, she closed her compact and set it aside.

Hannah headed out, destination clear-the police station. Her statement was recorded, and a formal case was opened. Only one step remained: waiting for the authorities to summon Brinley for questioning.

Her next stop was the office. Brainstorming with her team, she floated the idea of a safety bracelet designed for women. While thoughts and sketches filled her mind, she reached for her phone,hoping to capture the inspiration.

Instead, a notification lit up her screen-Brinley had just posted on Instagram: "Four all-nighters later-finally done. Hope Sharon will love it."

In the photo, Brinley was holding onto a man's arm.

And with just one glance, Hannah recognized the owner immediately-it was Vincent's. Suddenly,the exhaustion Vincent had shown last night made perfect sense. He'd been busy helping Brinley with the banquet planning, not just with work.

A sharp sting shot through Hannah's palm as her nails dug in, her composure briefly faltering.

Pushing the phone aside, Hannah forced herself to focus on the meeting. She threw herself into work,staying long after everyone else had left.

At the end of the day, Felix insisted on driving Hannah home. She didn't refuse.

Chivalry came naturally to Felix. He opened the car door for her when they arrived.

A quiet "Thank you" escaped Hannah's lips. But as she stepped onto the driveway, Vincent's figure came into view, standing a few yards away, watching with cold intensity. His mood was unmistakably sour.

Hannah acted like she didn't notice Vincent's foul mood, waving as she said goodbye to Felix. Then,she turned to walk toward the house and taunted Vincent,not breaking her stride, "Switching careers to bodyguard now? I guess it suits you."

Vincent ignored the jibe and trailed her. Shadows darkened his features. "So the full face of makeup was for your date with another man?"

Darkness flashed in Vincent's eyes, displeasure etched in every line of his face.

Planting her feet, Hannah spun around and met his gaze,chin tipped up in challenge. "That's right. Got an issue with it?"

A scowl deepened across Vincent's brow. "Felix Wade.CEO of Nova Tech. Focuses on women's security gadgets.His company's hanging by a thread."

A spark of surprise flickered across Hannah's face as she faced him fully. "You really went out of your way to dig into him?"

Annoyance quickly replaced her surprise.

He sidestepped her question, letting his voice go icy."Is he the reason behind your desire for a divorce?Discarding me for a man about to lose his business?"

She replied instantly, "Felix has nothing to do with my request for a divorce."

A muscle tensed in Vincent's jaw. "You'd better mean your words. Because if he is the reason, I'll make sure his pathetic little company collapses by tomorrów."

A heaviness pressed on Hannah's chest. She leveled her voice. "Vincent, what's gotten into you? Felix hasn't crossed you."

"If I'm pissed off, then yeah, he has."

No words came as she stared at him, feeling the familiar wall of his stubbornness. "You..."

The silence stretched, thick and uneasy.

A passing gust lifted the hem of Hannah's pale green dress, the fabric trailing across Vincent's shoes.

Without a word, he slipped off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. "Wind's picking up. Let's go inside."

She didn't move, eyes downcast. "I'm not cold."

She then shrugged off the jacket. It slipped from her shoulders and fell to the ground.

Without a backward glance, Hannah walked ahead.

A lump formed in Vincent's throat. He opened his mouth but couldn't find the words.

Just then, his phone buzzed. He answered, voice like steel. "Talk."

Derek's words came quickly. "Mr. Jones, I've confirmed the harassment incident involving Miss Gilbert. It's real." After a brief pause, he added, "But it seems your wife might have something to do with it."