Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 109

Lucas sat on the sofa, his fingers clenching so tightly his knuckles turned white.

Summer's gentle, genuine words acted like a dull blade, slowly carving through all his defenses.

His Adam's apple bobbed heavily. His throat felt parched and tight, every breath a massive effort.

The usual cold, domineering edge in his eyes completely shattered in that moment, leaving behind nothing but panic, overwhelming guilt, and soul-crushing shame.

He didn't dare meet Summer's gaze.

He couldn't even bring himself to imagine the sheer hope Vanessa must have held onto as she painstakingly pieced herself back together, all so she could be close to him without any reservations.

She had fought tooth and nail to climb out of the abyss, running toward him with a heart full of joy.

And he had personally shoved her right back into hell at her brightest moment.

It felt like an invisible hand had clamped around his heart, squeezing so hard the dull ache made it impossible to breathe.

His hands trembled at his sides. Unable to speak a single word, he sat frozen, letting the suffocating wave of regret drown him completely.

After waiting for a response and noticing his bloodshot eyes and erratic emotional state.

Summer set her cup down and called out softly, "Mr. Lowery? Are you alright?"

Lucas closed his eyes. When he opened them, his voice was raw and hoarse. "I'm fine. She's doing well too. Thank you for your concern, Dr. Rayne."

Though Summer was suspicious, she tactfully stood up and nodded gently. "Then I won't take up any more of your time. If anything comes up, feel free to reach out to me. Please take good care of Ms. Grant. Happy newlywed life to you both!"

Happy newlywed life...

As soon as Summer left, a deathly silence descended upon the office.

Lucas couldn't hold on any longer. He violently buried his face in his hands, pressing his knuckles hard against his eye sockets.

Tears slipped uncontrollably from the corners of his eyes, seeping silently through his fingers.

He regretted it!

Never in his life had he felt a regret this profound.

Driven purely by instinct, Lucas grabbed his phone, desperate to call Vanessa right that second. But the moment his finger brushed the screen, he remembered she had long since blocked him.

Harrison opened the door and walked in.

Lucas stood up, staring out the window.

"No, thank you," Vanessa politely declined, her gaze crystal clear. "You should spend some time thinking about what I said this afternoon, Mr. Howard."

Alistair's flawlessly handsome face remained devoid of emotion, his tone turning indifferent.

"Since you are dead set on drawing a line between us, Ms. Grant, there's no need for me to embarrass myself any further."

With that, he pulled the car door open and slid inside. The black Maybach shot off like an arrow leaving a bow, tearing away until it completely vanished from her sight.

Did that mean he agreed?

Standing there, Vanessa let out a massive sigh of relief, yet simultaneously, it felt like a chunk of her heart had been hollowed out, leaving an empty ache.

It was for the best. They never should have crossed paths to begin with.

When she returned to the Grant family villa, the living room was brightly lit.

George Grant was sitting on the sofa watching TV. Seeing her walk in, he waved her over.

"Vanessa, come sit."

"Did you need something, Dad?" Vanessa slipped into a pair of soft slippers and walked over, taking a seat in the armchair beside him.