Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 26

Leaning back against the edge of the pool, her voice floated softly through the steam. "Someone tried to drug me, and he saved me. Then I just couldn't control myself... I initiated it, and we slept together."

Speaking of it now, Vanessa still felt a lingering sense of dread. If things had gone wrong that night, she would have been completely ruined.

"Babe, you are incredible!"

Seraphina's eyes were practically sparkling with excitement and admiration.

Vanessa was speechless.

"So what happened next? Are you guys still talking?"

"No." Vanessa trailed her fingers idly through the water, keeping her tone light. "I blocked his number."

Seraphina stared at her as if looking at a total heartbreaker. "Vanessa Grant, you hit it and quit it!"

"..."

The women's bath featured an open-air infinity pool by the window, connecting to a lavishly designed observation deck. The men's and women's decks were adjacent, separated only by a low, unobstructed railing.

Having soaked enough indoors, Vanessa wrapped herself in a robe and stepped out onto the deck to let the cool breeze clear her head. The moment she rested her hands on the railing, she caught sight of a figure on the neighboring deck out of the corner of her eye, instantly freezing in place.

The man stood backlit, his dark robe tied loosely, highlighting his broad shoulders and narrow waist. His jawline was razor-sharp and unyielding, while his features were breathtakingly handsome, his narrow eyes dark and unfathomable.

Alistair was just lifting a hand to loosen the collar of his robe when he glanced up. His sharp, predatory gaze landed squarely on her face, sending a sudden wave of guilt crashing over her.

After all, the man had just saved her yesterday. Not only had she slept with him, but she had also left a bank card and vanished without a trace.

She greeted him with a deeply awkward smile. "Mr. Howard, what a coincidence."

"Aren't you going to give me an explanation, Ms. Grant?"

Vanessa's chest tightened. "It was just a fleeting encounter, a one-night stand. Surely you don't take things like this seriously, right? Besides, it was my first time. It's not like you lost out..."

Alistair stepped closer slowly, leaning in slightly until they were at eye level. "What a coincidence. It was my first time too."

"Liar!"

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