Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 134

Throughout the meal, the atmosphere was perfectly harmonious.

Lydia chatted with Vanessa about various pleasantries, and Vanessa listened with a warm smile, handling the conversation with impeccable grace.

Suddenly, Alistair's calm voice broke through the warm chatter, originating from beside her. "Mr. Beaumont, I expect some urgency regarding those arrests."

The entire table fell dead silent for a second.

Marcus's expression turned serious, though he maintained a polite smile. "Rest assured, Mr. Howard, I'm personally overseeing the case. To be honest, these suspects are high-priority targets. Once we match their aliases, I'll deploy a larger task force to secure their arrests."

"Good. The longer this drags on, the more complicated it gets," Alistair said. His tone was casual, yet it carried an oppressive authority.

"Mr. Howard," Marcus couldn't help but pry, "the young woman who filed the report earlier... how is she connected to you?" It was the first time he had ever seen the CEO personally interfere in a matter like this.

"She's my girlfriend's best friend."

Marcus blinked, slightly taken aback.

Vanessa seamlessly joined the conversation, her smile gentle. "Mr. Beaumont, my friend accidentally stumbled into their illegal trade. The poor girl is terrified. They've already targeted her, and I'm deeply concerned for her safety."

Having navigated the political waters for years, Marcus was as shrewd as they came.

For the CEO to personally intervene just for a girlfriend's friend showed a level of favor that was frankly absurd. After all, no one had ever successfully ordered Alistair Howard to handle a personal favor before.

"Don't worry, Miss Grant," Marcus declared with steadfast righteousness. "Protecting our citizens is my fundamental duty."

Vanessa paused for a moment, then raised her glass.

"Thank you."

"It's my job." Marcus, feeling incredibly honored, drained his glass in one gulp. "Drink at your own pace, Miss Grant."

Her alcohol tolerance was only average, yet by the end of the dinner, she had downed a couple of stiff drinks of strong liquor. Having not touched high-proof spirits in so long, Vanessa felt her head spinning as they left, her footsteps feeling as floaty as if she were walking on clouds.

Alistair guided her into the car, glancing down as the faint, sweet scent of alcohol reached him.

Instinct caused her to loop her arms around his neck. Her cheek pressed against his warm, solid chest, her nose catching the faint, masculine blend of cedar and tobacco on his collar.

She blinked groggily, her stunning eyes fluttering as she murmured in a sugary voice, "Alistair...?"

Alistair didn't answer, his footsteps steady as he carried her down the hall. The warm glow of the wall sconces spilled over her flushed profile. She was as soft as melted honey, melting compliantly against him as he carried her into the bedroom. Only when her body sank into the plush, luxurious mattress did she let out a soft sigh, her eyelashes fluttering.

A cool palm rested against her heated cheek. Instinctively, Vanessa nuzzled into the refreshing touch like a clingy kitten.

"I'll make you some hangover tea."

Saying that, he prepared to pull his hand away and turn around.

Suddenly, Vanessa lifted her hand and weakly grabbed his wrist. The grip wasn't strong, but it was incredibly stubborn. She tilted her face up, staring into his bottomless dark eyes through a hazy, intoxicated gaze.

"Alistair, tonight you said I was your girlfriend. Does that mean... you actually like me a little?"