Chapter 1126:

🍙 🍙 🍙 🍙 🍙

“It didn’t,” Vincent answered, his gaze darkening as her words struck home. He stepped back and pressed his fingers against his temples, his voice dropping to a quiet, strained murmur. “I’ve given it a lot of thought.”

“And?” Hannah met his gaze steadily. “What did you decide?”

Vincent stared back at her, his expression firm and unwavering. “I can’t do that.”

A sudden ache shot through Hannah’s chest. Vincent’s eyes were so unwavering, so intense, that she could barely hold his gaze.

Hannah looked away quickly, softening her voice. “Just take your time. You’ll adjust in a couple of days. You’ve had too much to drink, and your emotions are all over the place. Rest here for a while and clear your head. I can’t be gone too long; there are still a lot of guests outside.”

As she spoke, she steadied his slightly swaying frame, settled him onto the sofa in the lounge, and placed a glass of water within his reach. “Try to rest. My assistant will be waiting outside. Just let her know if you need anything.”

She rose, smoothing her dress until she looked composed again. But as she moved to leave, he caught her wrist.

Hannah turned, surprised.

Vincent remained seated, looking up at her with unwavering determination. “Hannah, I’m not giving up, no matter what the label is. Friend or anything else.”

𝘚𝗁𝗮rе y𝘰𝗎𝗋 𝘵𝘩𝘰u𝗴htѕ 𝗼ո 𝘨𝘢𝗹nо𝗏𝖾𝗅𝘀.соm

He paused, his eyes blazing with sincerity. “But I hope you’ll seriously consider the possibilities between us beyond friendship.”

It dawned on Hannah that this was no drunken confession. His expression was clearer and more genuine than ever.

She hesitated, torn, searching his deep eyes. In the end, she gave a small nod. “I’ll think about it.”

Vincent took her answer in stride, showing neither surprise nor disappointment. Slowly, he let go of her wrist.

She gave him one last searching look, then stepped out and closed the door quietly behind her.

As soon as Hannah was outside, Meagan hurried over, and Hannah leaned in to quietly pass along a set of instructions.

Then Hannah walked back into the banquet hall and resumed her role as host of the evening.

The power shift at Fontaine Galleria had finally settled.

Years of patience, careful maneuvering, and bold decisions had allowed Claude to force out the old directors, sideline his own parents, and claim the chairmanship, making him the most powerful figure at Fontaine Galleria.

Now Claude stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his expression icy and remote.

A gentle knock sounded at the office door. Bonnie entered once he gave his permission. All this time, she had worked behind the scenes to help Claude solidify his position, just as her parents had asked.

“You’ve achieved everything you wanted,” Bonnie said, stopping several paces from his desk without taking a seat. “According to our deal, does that mean I’m free to go now?”

.

.

.