Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 134

Throughout the meal, the atmosphere was perfectly harmonious.

Lydia chatted with Vanessa about various pleasantries, and Vanessa listened with a warm smile, handling the conversation with impeccable grace.

Suddenly, Alistair's calm voice broke through the warm chatter, originating from beside her. "Mr. Beaumont, I expect some urgency regarding those arrests."

The entire table fell dead silent for a second.

Marcus's expression turned serious, though he maintained a polite smile. "Rest assured, Mr. Howard, I'm personally overseeing the case. To be honest, these suspects are high-priority targets. Once we match their aliases, I'll deploy a larger task force to secure their arrests."

"Good. The longer this drags on, the more complicated it gets," Alistair said. His tone was casual, yet it carried an oppressive authority.

"Mr. Howard," Marcus couldn't help but pry, "the young woman who filed the report earlier... how is she connected to you?" It was the first time he had ever seen the CEO personally interfere in a matter like this.

"She's my girlfriend's best friend."

Marcus blinked, slightly taken aback.

Vanessa seamlessly joined the conversation, her smile gentle. "Mr. Beaumont, my friend accidentally stumbled into their illegal trade. The poor girl is terrified. They've already targeted her, and I'm deeply concerned for her safety."

Having navigated the political waters for years, Marcus was as shrewd as they came.

For the CEO to personally intervene just for a girlfriend's friend showed a level of favor that was frankly absurd. After all, no one had ever successfully ordered Alistair Howard to handle a personal favor before.

"Don't worry, Miss Grant," Marcus declared with steadfast righteousness. "Protecting our citizens is my fundamental duty."

Vanessa paused for a moment, then raised her glass.

"Thank you."

"It's my job." Marcus, feeling incredibly honored, drained his glass in one gulp. "Drink at your own pace, Miss Grant."

Her alcohol tolerance was only average, yet by the end of the dinner, she had downed a couple of stiff drinks of strong liquor. Having not touched high-proof spirits in so long, Vanessa felt her head spinning as they left, her footsteps feeling as floaty as if she were walking on clouds.

Alistair guided her into the car, glancing down as the faint, sweet scent of alcohol reached him.

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