Chapter 39

Stepping down from the third floor, Brinley paused mid-step as Vincent's voice drifted from the hall,deep in conversation with his assistant.

Reacting instantly, she ducked behind a column and stayed out of sight, her ears straining to catch every word.Every detail of Vincent's exchange with Derek filtered through, reaching her ears.

Brinley allowed herself a smug smile. Cautious planning had paid off. The moment she discovered Hannah was investigating her, she'd made sure to payoff the two men who'd fled back to their hometown, coaching them to play along to fool Hannah's detective, only to change their story when giving their statements in the police station. A bundle of cash had easily bought their cooperation. Yet, Vincent's unexpected investigation sent a jolt of unease through her.

With quiet urgency, Brinley slipped back to her room, phone already in hand as she speed-dialed her favorite gossip reporter."Do it now. Release everything."

Without missing a beat, she called the police next. "I want to report a crime. Someone hired men to assault me."

By eight that night, the hashtag # CEO of Jones Group's First Love Harassed exploded across every social platform. Though the face in the video was blurry, anyone familiar with Brinley recognized her at a glance.

To summon the right tears, Brinley pinched her thigh until her eyes watered. The moment Vincent walked through the door, she rushed downstairs, cryingon cue.

Meanwhile, Hannah sat with Sharon in the living room, lost in quiet conversation.

Brinley burst in, voice trembling. "Hannah, do you hate me that much?" She made a beeline for Hannah and latched onto Hannah's hand.

A quick jerk freed Hannah's hand. Folding her arms, she met Brinley's accusation head-on. "Yes, I can't stand you. I don't have the energy to pretend otherwise."

Brinley raised her volume, tears streaming. "So you're admitting it, then?"

Confusion clouded Hannah's face as her brow furrowed. "Admitting to what?" Every instinct screamed this was another setup.

The commotion drew Danica over, her concern painted in worried lines. "Brinley, what happened? Why are you in tears?"

"Whatever it is, sit down and sort this out like civilized people." Sharon rapped her cane against the floor,her voice steady.

A deep crease furrowed Vincent's brow as he took in the tense exchange.

Before anyone else could speak, Brinley jumped in, voice trembling. "Sharon, I swear, causing drama was never my intention. It's just that Hannah can't stand me and even went out of her way to plot against me.Here,look for yourself."

Tears hidden behind one hand, Brinley showed her phone screen for the gathered crowd to see, the headline blaring.

Danica took one glance and went rigid. That was the exact same footage she'd glimpsed earlier on Hannah's phone. Eyes narrowed, she swung her glare to Hannah. "Did you leak the video to the press?"

Sharon, struggling to catch the thread of accusations, turned to Vincent for answers. "What video are they talking about?"

Eager to deliver proof, Danica started to hand the phone over, but Hannah moved faster, snatching it from her grip.

That move made Danica erupt. "What's your problem, Hannah?" Realization dawned a second later."1see what this is. You're scared. You don't want Sharon to see what kind of person you really are."

A spark of satisfaction danced in Brinley's eyes. With Danica fueling the conflict, she could simply stand back-her tears would do the rest.

Sharp words from Danica soured Sharon's expression. Sharon snapped,"That's enough, Danica. How could you accuse Hannah like that?"

Refusing to back down, Danica tried to push the issue. "Sharon, you don't know the half of it..."

A single icy look from Vincent silenced her instantly.

Hannah kept her focus on Sharon, her tone gentle and steady. "Please, don't worry. I'll handle this myself."

Sadness flashed across Sharon's face as she reached for Hannah's hand. "Tell me what's wrong,sweetheart. There's nothing to be afraid of. I'll help you-did Vincent hurt you?"

Hannah had married into the Jones family but was never publicly acknowledged due to her secret marriage to Vincent. Over the years, she had endured far too much. Sharon's heart ached for Hannah.

Hannah's vision blurred for a moment, touched by Sharon's concern. She had no intention of dragging Sharon into family squabbles, and she was just about to suggest Sharon go rest, when Brinley interjected with a trembling voice,it because I'm an outsider that you put your trust only in Hannah?" Tears shimmered in her eyes.