Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 110

"Grandpa Howard personally sent word inviting our entire family over to the Howard Manor for dinner this weekend."

"Alright, I understand."

"How are things going with Ace?" George beamed, clearly highly invested in the progress of the marriage. "From what I can tell, he seems to have a pretty good impression of you."

"It's fine."

Otherwise, why would he say something like 'we're going to be a family' right in front of his own nephew?

George was in extremely high spirits. "I knew Ace would be happy with you! Whenever he brings you up to me, he always has a smile in his eyes and his tone is incredibly warm."

Everyone claimed Ace was humorless and cold-blooded, yet the man she met was refined, gentle, and perfectly polite.

It just went to show that the rumors swirling around him were completely baseless.

Just then, Giselle strolled in through the entryway in high heels, humming the latest pop song.

"Dad!"

George took the opportunity to inform her about the weekend dinner at Howard Manor as well.

Giselle's eyes shifted, quickly skimming over Vanessa, a look of undisguised amusement flashing in her gaze.

"Really? So, does that mean Vanessa and Mr. Howard's marriage is officially settled?"

"Of course," George grinned from ear to ear. "Mr. Howard is incredibly satisfied with your sister."

"Congratulations, Vanessa! Marrying a mega-wealthy man so quickly. Soon, you'll be the Mrs. Howard everyone is so jealous of. Your luck is just incredible, catching such a perfect match so effortlessly. It's truly enviable."

The sheer jealousy in her voice was practically dripping onto the floor.

Vanessa was long used to her passive-aggressive behavior. She merely shot her a cool glance and didn't bother responding.

"Don't be in such a rush, either," George said, completely missing his daughter's underlying sarcasm. He offered a comforting, fatherly tone. "I will make sure to find you a brilliant young man as well."

Giselle sneered internally.

His voice was laced with desperate pleading. "Can you please... just look back at the love we used to share, forgive me, and give me one more chance?"

If he had been this decisive the moment she returned from Southport, maybe she would have felt a shred of sympathy for the sake of their three-year relationship, and perhaps even convinced herself to forgive him.

But it was far too late for that now.

Hearing those words now, Vanessa's heart remained entirely undisturbed, as calm as a placid lake.

"Lucas, I already gave you chances, and you threw them away." Her voice was bone-chillingly cold, lacking even a fraction of the warmth she used to have. "For the sake of what you did for me in the past, I left half of the Vortex Group project for you. Consider it repayment for your heroic rescue three years ago."

"I know everything!" Lucas croaked. "I know you were seeing Dr. Rayne in secret, and that you're fully healed now..."

Walking out onto her bedroom balcony, Vanessa froze dead in her tracks.

She lowered her eyes, her thick lashes masking the turbulent emotions swirling within them.

"So, the barrier that was standing between us doesn't exist anymore." Lucas's voice trembled with a sliver of desperate hope. "Vanessa, didn't you always say you wanted a child of your own? We could..."