Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 116

"Don't even remind me," Benedict chimed in with a laugh, his tone teasing. "He was far more patient teaching Miss Grant than he ever was with his own uncle."

Aside from George, everyone else who wasn't in on the secret was utterly bewildered.

Vanessa sat frozen for a long time before she finally pulled herself together, staring blankly at the man sitting across from her. She needed to confirm this once and for all.

"Mr. Howard, what is your name?"

"Benedict Howard."

Those two words dropped like a bomb, leaving Vanessa completely dumbfounded.

So from the very beginning, she had the wrong man entirely.

Elaine and Giselle's faces cycled through shades of green and pale white, freezing in place as their brains short-circuited.

They had gone to such ridiculous lengths to set this trap and ruin Vanessa's engagement, only to realize they had targeted the wrong person all along.

Giselle remembered how she had practically thrown herself at Benedict, thinking he was Alistair. The sheer humiliation of actively trying to seduce him washed over her, making her wish the floor would open up and swallow her whole.

Vanessa forced out a dry laugh, struggling to find her voice. "Mr. Howard... you just look incredibly young."

"I'm ten years older than Ace. I was a late surprise for Arthur," Benedict replied smoothly as he poured a glass of medicinal wine for his father, completely unfazed.

So the man she had been sleeping with and entangled with this whole time—Alistair—was the real fiancé?

She asked politely, "Grandpa Howard, why does Ace go by two different names?"

"If you're so curious, Miss Grant, you can ask me yourself!"

A deep, unhurried voice drifted into the room just as a tall, broad-shouldered man strolled into the dining area.

He was dressed in casually elegant beige clothes today, exuding a relaxed yet dangerously attractive, boyish charm compared to his usual formal suits.

Vanessa stared at him in a daze. As she watched him stroll over and take the seat right next to her, her breathing hitched.

It really was Ace!

"Miss Grant, let me officially introduce myself. Alistair Howard, but my family calls me Ace."

Benedict held his wine glass, smiling faintly as he enjoyed the show.

"I wouldn't dare bully her. She's the one who bullied me. Last time, she grabbed..."

Vanessa desperately slapped her hand over his mouth, terrified of whatever vulgarity was about to spill from his lips.

She leaned in close, gritting her teeth in warning.

"Alistair, that's enough!"

Everyone at the table perked up like they had just caught the scent of the juiciest gossip imaginable. Their eyes were wide with eager anticipation, practically leaning over their plates waiting for the rest of the story.

Alistair patted the back of her hand and shot her a pointed look. Vanessa finally realized her lack of manners and quickly pulled her hand back, offering a highly embarrassed smile.

This infuriating man could drive her completely insane with just a few choice words.

Alistair couldn't help but chuckle at her flustered state.

Benedict, thoroughly enjoying the chaos, prodded him. "Ace, what did you say she grabbed again?"