Chapter 829

The teahouse buzzed with hushed whispers like swarming mosquitoes.

"That man still won't let go?"

"Look at that poor girl's face—she's clearly devastated."

"Tsk. Dressed like a gentleman but rotten to the core..."

Bianca Langley's fingers tapped lightly against her teacup. She'd never cared for gossip, but being associated with Vincent Croix again was intolerable.

"Did you receive the court ruling?" She stood abruptly, her voice ringing clear for every onlooker. "Adultery. Hidden assets. How dare you show your face?"

The room erupted in murmurs. Several patrons discreetly raised their phones, cameras trained on the spectacle.

Vincent's face drained of color. He reached for Bianca's wrist, but she wrenched free with a sharp jerk.

"You'll regret this." His words slithered through clenched teeth.

Bianca strode toward the exit without a backward glance. As she passed Evelyn Carter, her step faltered almost imperceptibly.

Evelyn immediately steadied her with a firm grip.

Alexander Hamilton had already settled the bill. He turned, his glacial gaze sweeping over Vincent like a blade—silent but lethal.

Vincent stood rooted, watching Bianca disappear through the doorway. She hadn't even granted him a final look. His fists clenched until his knuckles whitened.

Crash!

The ceramic teapot shattered against the floor.

A trembling server approached. "Sir—"

Vincent flung a wad of cash onto the table. With a sharp gesture, black-suited bodyguards materialized from the shadows, methodically checking every phone in the vicinity.

"Delete it. Or face litigation."

Ordinary people weren't equipped for such intimidation. The recordings vanished instantly. Spectating was one thing; inviting trouble another.

Outside, Bianca's pace quickened.

"I need to move out," she announced abruptly.

Evelyn tensed. "Did Vincent threaten you?"

"No." Bianca shook her head, sunlight etching her gaunt features. "He's been using Baby Chloe against me. But I realized..."

Alexander halted, glancing back at the teahouse. Vincent was gone, replaced by unfamiliar black sedans gliding away.

"He brought backup." Evelyn noted the anomaly. "Was he always this cautious?"

Bianca's dress fluttered in the spring breeze, accentuating her fragility.

"He had enemies, but never cared before." Her voice was featherlight. "Now... perhaps guilt makes him paranoid."

Vincent had changed. During their last encounter, madness had brimmed in his eyes. Insecurity often masqueraded as arrogance, and Bianca's repeated rejections had flayed his pride raw.

Evelyn's unease grew. "Leaving the Hamiltons is too risky. At least there's security—"

"I'm not taking Chloe." The words froze the air.

Evelyn and Alexander exchanged glances. The unspoken truth hung between them—the custody battle was unwinnable. Vincent now controlled the Langley empire. He could prolong litigation indefinitely.

"My parents..." Bianca's voice trembled. "They'll find out soon."

Alexander sighed. "The truth always surfaces."

The spring wind remained tender, powerless against the weight pressing down on the trio.