As he spoke, a knowing look crossed Quennel''s face.


    "Is someoneing over? I should go, I don''t want to interrupt your work."


    Hannah started to get up, but Quennel stopped her.


    "It''s probably Lionel or one of his men," he said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "He said he needed to pick up a file. I didn''t think he''de this early. Hannah, go to the study-no, my bedroom. It''s thest door on the right down the hall."


    Hannah''s heart skipped a beat. She nced nervously at the front door and, without a second thought, hurried toward the bedroom.


    Quennel''s bedroom was a reflection of him-calm and cool, with the faint scent of cedarwood in the air. The bed was made with crisp gray linens, and everything was perfectly organized. She didn''t dare look around too much, instead pressing her ear to the door to listen. The soundproofing was too good, so she cracked it open just a sliver.


    "Here for the file so early?" Quennel asked casually as he opened the door to Lionel. "And you came yourself?"


    Lionel walked in, his face a stony mask. His eyes immediately swept the room,nding on the te of pastries and the two cups of wine on the table. He walked over without answering his brother''s question.


    "Found yourself a girlfriend? One who bakes for you?" he asked, picking up a pastry. He took a bite, and the familiar taste exploded on his tongue, making him frown.


    Quennel chuckled and walked toward his study. "I have. I''ll introduce you soon." As he passed the bedroom, he saw the slightly ajar door and smiled faintly before disappearing into the study and emerging with a file. "Next time, just send your assistant. No need toe all this way yourself. What if I wasn''t home?"


    Lionel took the file. "Do you know where Hannah is?" he asked, his voice a little louder than necessary, as if he wanted someone else to hear.


    Quennel sat down and picked up another pastry. "She''s your wife. Why are you asking me?"


    "You expect me to believe you don''t know?" Lionel challenged, looking down at him.


    "I only know that she seems


    determined to divorce you," Quermel said, taking a sip of tea forandma adores Hannah. If she finds out about this, you''d better be prepared. No one will be able to help you then.”


    Lionel didn''t reply, his eyes


    continuing to scan the apartment He caught a flicker of movement from the direction


    Kf the bedroom...


    Just as he was about to investigate, Quennel stood up, blocking his path.


    "You have the file. You should go. Don''t keep Hannah waiting at home alone."


    Lionel clenched his fists, his jaw tight. He shot onest look toward the bedroom before turning and leaving.


    Hearing the door close, Quennel walked to the bedroom. "He''s gone."


    He opened the door to find Hannah sitting tensely on a chair, a sheen of sweat on her forehead.


    "Does he know I''m here?"


    "I''ll speak to security. He won''t be able to get in again."


    Hannah nodded, taking a deep breath. “Thank you for everything. I should go back now."


    She left his apartment and stepped into the elevator, her heart still racing. She couldn''t be sure if she and Lionel had made eye contactin that split second before she closed the bedroom door. The man was terrifyingly perceptive.


    The elevator doors opened, and she froze.


    Standing right there, waiting for her, was Lionel. His eyes darkened as he looked


    at her.