Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 11

Lucas's expression darkened. He turned, got into his car, and disappeared into the flow of traffic moments later.

Seeing his car leave, Vanessa let out a breath of relief.

After finishing her meal, Vanessa stood up. "Mr. Howard, I really must thank you for stepping in tonight."

If Lucas had gotten his way, she would have been disgusted for the rest of her life.

"It was nothing," Alistair replied simply.

...

The next day, she took the jacket that the concierge had dry-cleaned over to the room next door.

However, she was informed that Alistair had already checked out.

When she handed it over last night, she had noticed it was a bespoke suit, undoubtedly worth a small fortune.

It seemed Mr. Howard was a man of significant status.

Forget it. She would return it to him if their paths ever crossed again.

Back in her room, she made a call to check on the situation.

"Vanessa, Titan Holdings got back to us. They are willing to acquire everything."

"Handle the paperwork today."

"Understood."

Hanging up, Vanessa left the hotel, bought a pile of supplies, and grabbed a cab to Sunlight Haven Children's Home.

She and Lucas had been sponsoring the home for three years.

A couple thousand dollars a year wasn't a massive sum, but it was enough to keep the pantry stocked for these kids.

Whenever they weren't too busy, she and Lucas would buy them snacks and toiletries.

But Lucas had grown incredibly busy over the last two years, so more often than not, she came alone.

The moment she stepped into the courtyard, bright cheers erupted all around her.

"Are you and Lucas leaving Savannah?"

If she recalled correctly, Lucas's company had just gone public. Why would they leave now, unless something unexpected happened?

"We broke up, so I've decided to move away."

Three years ago, she had arrived in Savannah completely alone, and now, she was leaving the exact same way.

"How could that be? Weren't you two about to get married?"

Jeanette still remembered when Vanessa came to drop off the wedding invitation. When she spoke of marrying Lucas, her face had beamed with happiness, her eyes sparkling like the stars.

"He's been cheating on me for two years. I only just found out." Vanessa lowered her gaze, her long lashes hiding the sting of unshed tears. Even though she was determined to let it go, bringing it up in front of Jeanette, who had witnessed their entire relationship, still brought a dull ache to her chest.

"Could there be some sort of misunderstanding?"

She had seen firsthand how much Lucas cared for and protected Vanessa. That tenderness and devotion couldn't possibly be faked.

It would be a terrible shame to throw away three years together over a simple misunderstanding.