Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 50

With that, he walked up to the stage and officially began hosting the gala.

Vanessa let out a long breath, her tightly wound nerves finally relaxing. She picked up a glass of champagne and downed it in one smooth motion.

Suddenly, she felt an intense, scorching gaze fixated on her—one so powerful it was impossible to ignore. She looked up and locked eyes with a pair of narrow, pitch-black eyes.

Alistair was leaning casually against the second-floor railing, a wine glass caught loosely between his fingers. A dangerous half-smile played on his lips as his eyes bore directly into hers.

Vanessa's heart gave a violent jolt. The sudden, vivid memory of that wet, domineering kiss flashed through her mind, and she hastily averted her eyes.

"Ace, your little kitten is a lot wilder than she looks."

Nolan chuckled aloud. If it had been any other woman getting framed and torn apart by a crowd, they would have dissolved into tears of panic long ago. But she had remained icy and calculated from beginning to end, not only spotting the hidden camera but successfully turning the tables to publicly humiliate her enemies.

If it hadn't been for that security footage, she would have been forced to swallow the blame tonight.

"If she were actually tame, she wouldn't have run away three years ago," Alistair replied smoothly, withdrawing his gaze and walking back into the VIP booth.

On the other side of the room, Vanessa finally caught Valen alone. She immediately approached him, her tone completely earnest.

"Mr. Valen, hello. I am Vanessa Grant. Could I steal five minutes of your time for a private conversation?"

Valen had witnessed the entire spectacle. Even though she had proven her innocence, the ugly, public feuding between the Grant sisters had left a bad taste in his mouth.

He valued family harmony over rapid corporate growth. He firmly believed that a company could only go the distance if the team was united and the family dynamic was stable.

"I apologize, Miss Grant, but I currently have no intention of partnering with the Grant Corporation."

Valen shut her down without hesitation, completely closing the door on the negotiation.

Vanessa opened her mouth to argue her case, but Valen gave her no opening.

"Excuse me."

Her mission had failed before it even began, completely derailed by Giselle's toxic interference.

Gritting her teeth, she chased after him.

Just as a flash of annoyance crossed Valen's eyes, she spoke quickly and sincerely.

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