Chapter 73

A tightness gripped Vincent's throat, so he tried steering the conversation away. "Grandma, maybe it's time for you to rest.Aubrey-"

A sharp glare from Sharon cut him off. "Only call for Aubrey when it's convenient for you, huh? Don't bother.I'm not leaving this spot until my granddaughter-in-law is back in this house."

Listening from the sidelines, Brinley could only seethe as Sharon repeated "your wife" and "my granddaughter-in-law," all pointing at Hannah. The words burned, each one a reminder of what she believed should have belonged to her.

"Hannah won't be coming back," Vincent remarked with a frustrated sigh. "Didn't Derek say he couldn't find her?" A frown creased his face. "She's been running around for days. I have no idea when she'll bother to return."

Sharon fixed him with a pointed look. "That's because she wanted to steer clear of you. I have already rang her up. She promised she'd come back soon," she said, clearly enjoying the upper hand.

A fresh wave of irritation settled over Vincent.

A slow, meaningful smile curved Sharon's lips. "Hannah really cares about me. She actually listens, unlike my grandson, who tunes me out completely."

Vincent felt each word hit home, their sting impossible to shake.

Brinley, sensing the tension, was about to speak-when the door opened. Hannah walked in.

Brinley's shoulders tensed, and her words dried up instantly.

One step into the living room, Hannah paused, surprised by the presence of Vincent and Brinley. She had assumed they wouldn't be here, but since they looked perfectly at ease, she decided not to back down.After all, she wasn't the shameless homewrecker or the unfaithful spouse here.She did nothing wrong to be uneasy about.

A while back, after saying goodbye to Rena post-gala, Hannah had gotten a call from Sharon,asking her to come home, and she hadn't hesitated.

Vincent's eyes barely left Hannah from the moment she crossed the entrance-barely noticeable,but persistent.

Catching his stare from the corner of her eye, Hannah made a point of ignoring him entirely.

"Sharon, I'm home," Hannah called out, her return motivated by a desire to spare Sharon, already in her seventies, from the stress of watching her and Vincent's mnarriage unravel. She had assumed that Vincent and Brinley would be away, but seeing them here didn't bother her in the slightest. There were only eight days left. After that, she and Vincent would have nothing to do with each other.

Tonight, Hannah's focus was on Sharon and nothing else. "How abouta walk, Sharon? Let's get some air,"she suggested warmly.

With a gentle laugh, Sharon waved off the idea."Why rush? Didn't you mention you had planned for my birthday? Now that everyone's gathered, show us what you've got."

Taking charge, Sharon tugged Hannah down beside her, wedging Hannah right between herself and Vincent. Hannah's leg brushed against Vincent's due to the limited space.

Discomfort flashed through Hannah as she shot to her feet, unable to hide the look of distaste thatcrossed her face.

Expression tight and cold, Vincent said nohing, simply staring at her.

His mood was plain to see. Hannah felt it, but didn't let it touch her. No more would she let his moods decide her actions. That included something as simple as sitting within arm's reach.

With a pleasant smile, Hannah excused herself. "I'Il be right back, Sharon. Just need to grab my laptop," she said, already heading for the stairs as she was eager to put some distance between herself and Vincent.

She hurried to her room, heading straight for the desk. The curtains were drawn and the lights were off,casting the room in a dim hush.

Something about the layout seemed to have changed, but she didn't pay it much attention.