Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 138

"It's pretty cliché. He cheated on me."

Speaking about it now, Vanessa felt more relief than bitterness.

"Damn it!" Jocelyn cursed aloud. "Leaving a perfectly good meal at home to eat garbage on the street! What an absolute jerk!"

Vanessa offered a nonchalant smile. "Maybe that's just the inherent flaw in men."

Lucas was, after all, just an ordinary, flawed man.

"Well, out with the old, in with the new. Thank God you saw his true colors before the wedding. It's not too late," Jocelyn said, her expression complicated. "Boss, you deserve a much better man."

"I think so too. That's why I found a significant upgrade." She took another sip of her coffee. After the bitterness faded, a rich, smooth aftertaste bloomed on her palate.

Jocelyn's eyes widened playfully. "This time, you aren't doing charity work, right?"

Vanessa raised an eyebrow with a light laugh. "I won't fall into the same trap twice."

"That's good. You're far too smart to make a bad investment like that!"

"I have some wealthy clients coming over soon. Bring out the reserved inventory."

"Got it."

Jocelyn didn't pry any further and immediately hurried upstairs to grab the stock.

A few moments later, Lydia walked in, accompanied by several impeccably dressed, elegant women.

Vanessa stood up to greet them, her aura radiating sophisticated charm. "Mrs. Beaumont, ladies, welcome."

Lydia smiled warmly. "Your boutique is so exquisitely peaceful."

"Mrs. Langley?" Jocelyn asked, coming down the stairs with the gowns and greeting her with a smile.

"You have impeccable timing. We just finished a new collection, and every piece is a masterpiece," Jocelyn said, her eyes curving as she smoothly directed their attention to Vanessa. "And our boss happens to be here today too. Boss, this is Mrs. Langley, one of our longest-standing clients."

Vanessa gave a slight nod, the picture of grace. "Thank you for your continued love for our work, Mrs. Langley."

"I had no idea the mastermind behind The Velvet Needle was Miss Grant," Beatrice said, her tone suddenly shifting to a mix of warmth and deep respect. "So young, yet so incredibly talented and discreet!"

The other women quickly echoed her sentiments.

Vanessa knew they were only being this accommodating because of Alistair's influence. She smiled gracefully, perfectly poised. "You're all too kind. It's just a small business. I appreciate your support."

Basking in Alistair's halo, and given that the gowns were genuinely top-tier luxury, the socialites were more than happy to show their support. After a round of fittings, they purchased seven or eight pieces from the inventory and commissioned over a dozen bespoke gowns.

"Well, isn't it lively in here! Ms. Ives, business is booming today, huh? Must be making a killing!"

The front door was suddenly shoved open from the outside. A heavily made-up, arrogantly dressed woman strutted in with two lackeys trailing behind her. Her eyes swept over the VIP clients and the wall of haute couture gowns, completely unable to mask her burning jealousy.