Chapter 35

Lionel swirled the red wine in his glass and took a sip, saying nothing. It had been a long time since he’d seen that expression on Hannah’s face.

Was she really that happy at the Keystone Group?

His brow furrowed, and his grip tightened on the wine glass, nearly shattering it.

“Lionel?” Sandra called softly when he remained silent. “Is something wrong?” Lionel stared at the group for a moment longer, his eyes dark and brooding. He set his glass down. “I see someone I know. Feel free to mingle p>

“Who is it “

Before Sandra could finish, he was already walking away. In Hannah’s direction.

Yves had just been pulled aside when Lionel passed in front of her, dropping two cold words. “Come here p>

Hannah blinked. Was he talking to her? She looked around, but there was no one else nearby. Was he still angry about the elevator?

She narrowed her eyes at his back. She didn’t want to go, but then she remembered Tess, and with a heavy heart, she followed him.

The rooftop was mostly empty. Lionel found a deserted corner and waited. Hannah took a deep breath and walked up to him, her expression calm.

“Hannah, I never knew you had such a death wish p>

She had been trying to figure out how to bring up Tess when he hit her with that cryptic remark.

“What p>

“What?” Lionel scoffed. “Are you unaware of the recent turmoil within the Lancaster family? If it weren’t for that, do you honestly think someone with your abilities could have gotten into the Keystone Group p>

“Mr. Rosenberg, my abilities are well-known and they are not as pathetic as you seem to think,” Hannah said, a humorless smile on her face. “But whether it was due to internal changes or my own I’m in the

connections stone

Group, and nothing you say will make me leave p>

Lionel’s jaw tightened. “The rumors he started were just a warning. The other branches of the Lancaster family have plenty of ways to make your life hell. Get out now before something happens. If you dont want to work at the Rosenberg Group, you can have your pick of any of our subsidiary companies p>

Hannah paused, surprised. Had she heard him correctly? “Forget it,” she said after a moment. “Even if I leave the Keystone Group, I have other options. My future doesn’t depend on the Rosenberg Group p>

Or you.

From the doorway, Sandra watched them. She couldn’t hear their words, but the way Lionel looked at Hannah was different. His deep eyes held an emotion she couldn’t name.

“Mr. Rosenberg, you don’t have to persuade me to leave. I’m not going anywhere, Hannah said, a bright

smile spreading across her face net

You

“But while were on the subject, why did you go back on your wor said you wouldn’t go after Tess, so why are you suing her company now? If you have a problem, take it up with me p>

“Fine. You want me to come after you? Quit the Keystone Group, and I’ll leave your friend alone. How about that p>

Hannah froze, then took a step toward him, her voice a furious whisper. “Lionel, you p>

“Mr. Rosenberg, I’m so sorry to disappoint you, but Ms. Green will never be leaving the Keystone Group p>

Yves’ hand closed around her arm, pulling her to his side. He stepped in front of her, shielding her with his body.

“Hannah is my employee now. She signed a lifetime contract with me. So you can stop trying to poach her. Besides, haven’t you already found someone better p>