Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 15

Chloe tugged at the hem of Lucas's shirt, her voice dripping with sweetness while a calculating glint hid in her eyes. "Luke, your wedding with Vanessa is the day after tomorrow. Please don't go back tonight. Stay here and keep me and the baby company, okay?"

Lucas looked down at her desperately fawning expression, but Vanessa's cold, hostile eyes suddenly flashed through his mind. A sudden surge of unexplainable irritation washed over him. He swatted her hand away, his tone as cold as ice. "I will have someone take you home. Don't show your face at the office again until the baby is born."

"Was this Vanessa's idea?" Chloe choked back a sob, still clutching a fistful of his shirt. "How could she be so selfish? Can't she see how hard you work? You do everything to give her a better life, and yet she's acting like a spoiled brat, picking fights with you..."

Lucas shot her a withering glare. "Since when is my relationship with her any of your business?"

Chloe bit her lip, terrified into silence.

Normally, whenever she casually badmouthed Vanessa, Lucas would agree with her. But today, his icy reaction made him feel like a complete stranger.

She had spent two years by his side, bending over backward to please him, and yet she still couldn't compare to Vanessa.

Why the hell not?

Aside from a pretty face, what did Vanessa even have? Chloe was Lucas's most devoted lover and his most valuable assistant!

A toxic wave of resentment festered in her chest. As she watched Lucas walk away without looking back, a vicious idea took root in her mind. If Vanessa lost her innocence and had her reputation dragged through the mud before the wedding, would Lucas still want to marry her?

She pulled out her phone, her thumbs flying across the screen as she quickly drafted a message to Vanessa.

...

Lucas returned to Clearwater Cove. When he pushed the door open, he was greeted by nothing but pitch darkness and freezing air.

A sudden wave of panic hit him. He rushed through the entryway, only to find the house completely empty.

Scowling, he dialed her number, instantly remembering that she had already blocked him.

He strode over to the sofa, snatched up the landline, and dialed her again.

"Where are you?"

Vanessa was curled up on a soft hotel bed. When she picked up the phone, a flicker of surprise crossed her stunning features.

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