Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 105

"Stop overthinking it. He's completely straight."

Alistair let out a low chuckle. If Benedict knew she was thinking this, he'd probably be furious.

"Living with a guy like that would be so boring!"

"I'm much better, right?"

He leaned close to her ear and murmured something wildly inappropriate.

Vanessa's face flushed bright red as she shot him a vicious glare.

The man was completely shameless!

When they walked back into the room, Benedict was on the phone. His voice was stern, laced with clear displeasure.

"Zach, can you run this club with a bit more professionalism? Because right now, it's a mess."

"Do I look like some kind of scumbag to you? Are you insulting me, or insulting yourself?"

"If you ever pull this kind of stunt again, don't bother calling me."

Alistair led Vanessa back to her seat.

Benedict hung up the phone.

"I apologize for that, Ms. Grant. A friend of mine has a terrible sense of humor and tried to play a joke on me. I just set him straight."

Vanessa offered a polite smile but didn't say anything.

"I have some business to take care of, so please continue eating. Alistair will drive you home later, Ms. Grant."

"Understood," Alistair replied.

Once he left, Vanessa felt even more frustrated.

Why did this man always leave early and make Alistair drive her home?

At this rate, she wasn't even sure who she was supposed to be building a relationship with!

"Eat."

Alistair placed a piece of BBQ rib onto her plate.

"..."

She lowered her head and ate in silence.

Alistair refilled her juice, leaned back in his chair, lit a cigarette, and smoked casually.

His dark, predatory eyes settled softly on her.

She ate elegantly, her movements measured and graceful. Every time she lifted her silverware, it showcased her impeccable upbringing.

As she dipped her head, her profile looked soft and flawless. She chewed slowly, looking stunningly serene with every little movement of her lips.

There was nothing artificial about her; she looked like a painting, a feast for the eyes.

As if she wanted to spend more time with him!

Vanessa looked up, her exquisite features radiating a haughty and detached aura.

"Mr. Howard, my time is very expensive. Can you afford it?"

Instead of getting angry, Alistair let out a low laugh, his tone carrying a casual yet overpowering dominance.

"People were fighting tooth and nail for the Vittini distribution rights. I handed you a massive favor on a silver platter, and you're going to haggle over a round of golf?"

"I already repaid that debt."

"That was just wishful thinking on your part. I never agreed to that."

"..."

Did he even realize their current status, and what their future relationship was going to be?

Vanessa took a deep breath, forcing down the surging emotions in her chest, and enunciated every word.

"Alistair, I am going to marry your uncle. Could you act appropriately for once?"

She felt completely exhausted by him. If she had known better, she never would have provoked this man in the first place.

But on second thought, if it hadn't been for him that day, she would have been completely ruined, and the consequences would have been unthinkable.

The playful glint vanished from Alistair's eyes as they darkened significantly. "You haven't even joined the Howard family yet, and you're already claiming the title?"