Chapter 40

With a quiet tenderness, Sharon brushed a stray lock of hair behind Hannah's ear, ignoring Brinley's attempt to steal her attention.

At that moment, Vincent told the housekeeper, "Aubrey, please help Grandma upstairs so she can get some rest."

Sharon, however,planted her feet, defiance in her eyes. "You're trying to get rid of me because you really did do something to hurt Hannah, didn't you? Tonight, I'm staying put to make sure she gets the justice she deserves." A gentle cough punctuated her stubbornness.

Concern flashed across Hannah's face as she patted Sharon's back. "Don't worry about me. I'll be alright,really. Just go rest for a bit, please?"

Sharon's health was fragile. Hannah couldn't bear the thought of her being dragged into another stressful scene.

"Lies. Don't bother trying to send me away," Sharon insisted, her voice strained and her breath unsteady."I won't leave you alone-not when someone here might mistreat you."

Years of watching Hannah try to keep the peace with Danica had left a mark on Sharon. Even when Danica hurled the most awful words at Hannah, Hannah had never shown anything but a polite smile.

Seeing this, Danica's anger bubbled over. "This is all your fault, Hannah. Look how upset you've made Sharon!"

Ignoring the accusation, Hannah turned to Aubrey. "Please, just see that Sharon gets comfortable upstairs."Looking Sharon in the eye, she added softly,"1anything happens to you because of me, I'd never forgive myself. I promise, if I need help, I'll come straight to you. I'm right here. You'll hear if something's wrong."

Aubrey chimed in, "She's right. Please trust that she can handle the situation. And Mr. Jones is here. He won't let her be mistreated."

Sharon huffed, "Vincent is the one who's made things so difficult for Hannah." A finger pointed squarely at Vincent, her tone cutting. "Hannah is your wife. Don't you dare keep hurting her to please anyone else. Do you hear me?"

Brinley's face fell. She caught onto the insinuation immediately.

Vincent murmured, "I understand."

A gentle squeeze of Hannah's hand served as Sharon's goodbye, and finally, she allowed herself to be led upstairs. She knew that if she stayed and her health failed, it would only worry Hannah. Deep down, she recognized her limits-she couldn't shield Hannah forever. Marriage, after all, was something Hannah and Vincent needed to navigate together.

No sooner had Sharon left the room than Danica pounced, voice sharp. "Hannah, you honestly think Sharon's support is enough to sweep this under the rug? Get real. It won't. You owe Brinley an apology." She was sure Hannah was behind the video leak.

Hannah hadn't bothered glancing at the video. Her words were icy. "I have nothing to do with it."

"Only you had that video, Hannah. Who else could have leaked it?" Shrill and shaking, Brinley clung to Vincent's hand, tears streaking down her face."V/incent, now the world's seen me...Seen me harassed by two men. How am I supposed to live with that?"

Danica, all sympathy and outrage, dabbed away Brinley's tears."Don't you worry, sweetheart. We'll make sure Hannah pays for this."

A steely calm settled over Hannah. "Then show your evidence. If you're making accusations, at least present proof to me. Or is this how things are done now, shouting blame without a shred of evidence?"

That dismissive attitude sent Danica into a rage. "The only person with that video was you! Unless you're suggesting Brinley leaked that damn video herself? I know what's really going on: you're jealous that Vincent cares for her. You snapped and wanted payback. The Jones family shouldn't have let you marry in!"

Laughter, cold and humorless, escaped Hannah. "Bring me proof, or stop talking. Who gave you the right..."

She didn't get to finish. Vincent cut her off, his voice low and glacial. "Apologize."