Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 42

"Oh, Vanessa, so you were the plus-one Malcom was talking about?" Giselle Grant feigned surprise. "What a shame. Malcom already promised to bring me in. You wouldn't hold it against me, right?"

"Of course not!" Vanessa gave a thin, humorless smile. "Since Mr. Jenson has already agreed to take you, I'll just find another way."

"In that case, Malcom and I will head inside first."

Giselle smirked, unable to hide her smug satisfaction.

This was what Vanessa got for lacking a mother's protection, while Giselle had Elaine Grant scheming behind the scenes on her behalf.

But after all these years, Vanessa was used to it.

No one's life was perfect.

After Malcom and Giselle walked away, Vanessa pressed her lips together and scrolled through her phone's contacts, drawing a blank.

Just then, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a tall, familiar figure striding through the main entrance.

Alistair Howard!

Her eyes instantly lit up.

Talk about perfect timing.

Alistair turned his head to speak to Nolan Nash, who was walking behind him. Nolan was the first to notice Vanessa, his eyebrows shooting up as he spoke in a teasing tone.

"Ace, look who it is."

Hearing that, the man glanced over. The moment he caught sight of her slender figure, his dark eyes narrowed, turning deep and unreadable.

Once Vanessa confirmed the man had noticed her, she slowly made her way over to him.

"Mr. Howard, what a coincidence running into you here."

Alistair kept one hand casually in his pocket, his narrow, predatory gaze sweeping over her.

"Can I help you?"

His tone was indifferent and cold.

Vanessa smiled. "Are you attending Mr. Chambers' gala today?"

When he remained silent, she shamelessly pushed forward.

"Are you... in need of a plus-one?"

"You want me to take you inside?" Alistair cut right to the chase.

Vanessa nodded eagerly, but his next words froze the smile on her face.

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