Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 165

Vanessa's eyes remained perfectly calm.

"Because back then, I loved you. I loved you enough to hide all my success just so we could be a normal couple. I knew you came from nothing and had a fragile ego. I was terrified you'd think I was taking pity on you, and I didn't want to wound that pathetic pride of yours."

She had considered his feelings at every turn, waiting for him to grow strong enough before she revealed the truth.

But Lucas never made it to that day, nor did he give her the chance to be honest.

Lucas felt as though an invisible hand was brutally crushing his heart, making it impossible to breathe.

Guilt, regret, humiliation, and despair swallowed him whole.

He collapsed heavily onto the floor right in front of her, wrapping his arms desperately around her legs.

"Vanessa, I was wrong. I was so wrong..."

His voice was a broken, hoarse sob, dripping with absolute despair as he looked up at her, begging with his eyes.

"I'm begging you, give me one last chance. You can punish me however you want, just don't throw me away. Don't leave me... I really can't live without you..."

If he had broken down and begged like this the moment she caught him cheating, she might have actually softened and given him another chance.

But... that was all in the past.

She had fully severed herself from that relationship.

...

Howard Corporation Tower.

It stood majestically in the core of Sterling City's CBD.

Alistair Howard sat behind a massive ebony desk, his posture as straight as a pine tree.

He was looking down at his documents, his long eyelashes casting cold shadows over his face. His well-defined hands held a pen with steady authority. The afternoon sun filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing him in a pale gold light that made him look noble, aloof, and utterly untouchable.

Quentin Pierce knocked and walked in.

"Boss, Lucas Lowery is in Sterling City. He's with Ms. Grant right now."

Alistair paused mid-signature, his dark, predatory eyes flicking up. "Where?"

"A coffee shop across from the Grant Corporation. They're in a private room." Quentin reported honestly. Seeing the sudden drop in his boss's temperature, he quickly lowered his head.

Years ago, Ms. Grant had run away from an engagement to date Lucas in Savannah.

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