Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 117

Alistair shot him a chilling side-eye but didn't take the bait.

"So you get a wife and suddenly start keeping secrets from your own uncle?" Benedict sighed dramatically, his tone dripping with amusement.

The tips of Vanessa's ears instantly flushed a brilliant red. She kept her head down and shoved food into her mouth. Only she knew exactly what Alistair had been about to say!

"If you're so curious, why haven't I seen you bring a woman home?" Arthur slammed his fork down, scoffing in displeasure. "You've been out there for years, and God knows what you've actually been doing!"

"Don't worry, it's definitely nothing illegal," Benedict said lazily, taking a sip from his glass with a smirk. "Besides, I only came back to get on your nerves, didn't I?"

"Arthur, Ben knows what he's doing," Eleanor interjected smoothly with a smile, expertly defusing the old man's rising temper.

Right then, Alistair placed a piece of BBQ rib onto Vanessa's plate, his tone entirely casual. "Lydia's cooking is better than any high-end restaurant."

"Thanks..."

Vanessa murmured softly, keeping her focus entirely on her meal in a desperate attempt to dodge everyone's probing stares.

Off to the side, Giselle was practically boring holes into that rib with her eyes, consumed by a jealousy so fierce it felt like acid burning through her veins.

Why? Why did such a wildly attractive, wealthy man have to fall right into Vanessa's lap!

The rest of the dinner went on in joyous harmony, leaving only Giselle and Elaine choking on their own bitterness. Their chests were so tight with frustration that the lavish food tasted like ash in their mouths.

Once the evening wrapped up, George led Elaine and Giselle out to the car first.

Alistair casually tucked one hand into his pocket and followed right on Vanessa's heels.

The moment they stepped out the front door, Vanessa spun around, her bright eyes wide as she glared at him furiously.

"Alistair Howard, you are a complete fraud!"

"When did I ever lie to you?" He raised an eyebrow, looking entirely innocent. "From start to finish, you were the one who made the assumptions."

"You told me you were from Savannah!"

"Yeah, and I'm also from Sterling City," he shot back effortlessly. "Is that a contradiction?"

"..."

No, it wasn't a contradiction. Vanessa was utterly speechless, kicking herself for not digging deeper when she had the chance.

Vanessa met his intense, predatory gaze, her heart skipping a beat. She pursed her lips and fired back, "Don't tell me you want to hear me say I like you?"

She paused, adding softly, "If I said it, would you even believe me?"

"No."

"Then why ask?"

Vanessa looked away, cursing him out in her head.

This bastard only ever knew how to toy with her!

Alistair slowly reached out, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. It seemed like a casual gesture, yet the motion was drenched in a restrained, smoldering intimacy—a quiet, undeniable tenderness.

"I'm heading back!"

Vanessa's heart raced as she hastily took a step back, yanking the car door open and slipping inside.

As the car slowly pulled away, George couldn't hide the massive grin on his face as he turned to look at her.