Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 44

Especially right now, with a smudge of her plum-red lipstick lingering on the corner of his mouth. The vivid color against his pale skin made him look sinfully handsome, enough to make anyone's mind wander into dangerous territory.

Unfortunately, she was set to marry Benedict Howard; she couldn't afford a long-term affair with him.

Wait, they were both named Howard.

Her heart sank.

Could there be some kind of connection?

"Mr. Howard, wipe your mouth."

She lowered her gaze and handed him a tissue.

Alistair didn't take it. Instead, he leaned down, his intention perfectly clear.

Forcing down her temper, Vanessa carefully wiped the lipstick from the corner of his mouth.

"Mr. Howard, do you have any relation to the Howards in Sterling City?"

It was a nagging doubt she needed to clear up.

If Alistair was closely related to the Sterling City Howards, and she had slept with him while being tied to Benedict Howard... If his family misunderstood and thought she was a two-timing schemer, she'd be dead meat.

Alistair raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes as he answered her question with one of his own. "What kind of relationship do you think we have?"

"That's why I'm asking you," Vanessa forced a smile. "You're from Savannah, right?"

"Yes."

His grandfather was from Savannah, so that technically made him from Savannah too.

Hearing this, Vanessa breathed a sigh of relief.

"Mr. Howard, shall we head out?"

If they didn't leave soon, the gala would start without them!

The moment they stepped out of the room, Vanessa affectionately linked her arm through his solid bicep.

Alistair shot her a sideways glance.

"Hehe."

Vanessa offered a sycophantic smile.

Once the bouncers verified the invitation, they were let through.

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