Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 153

"You're back."

Hearing the commotion, George looked over. "Did the grand opening go smoothly?"

"Yes, the sales were great. If we keep this momentum, hitting the contractual targets won't be an issue."

Noticing the worry etched on his face, she walked over and sat on the sofa.

"Are you worried about Giselle?"

George froze. "Yes. She hasn't been home for days."

His eldest daughter had always been bright, but he hadn't realized how perceptive she had become.

She could read him like an open book.

"She sent me a leave request. She's probably just feeling down and took a quick vacation to clear her head. She should be back in a few days."

Since she had promised Giselle, Vanessa had no intention of revealing her current predicament.

Not wanting George to worry unnecessarily, she opted for a white lie.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"A vacation might be good for her. We'll just chalk up the millions of dollars lost as an expensive lesson."

He assumed Giselle had bought the raw stones, realized she had been scammed, and felt too ashamed to face them, choosing to escape through travel instead.

Vanessa recalled how Giselle had stubbornly endured a brutal beating rather than submit, yet had instantly crumpled and begged for help the moment she saw her. The girl was equal parts brave and cowardly.

"Dad, I'm planning to move out in a few days."

Given Alistair's forceful attitude tonight, Vanessa figured she had better bring it up with George herself.

George looked confused. "You're doing fine here at home. Why do you want to move?"

"I want to live closer to the office. It'll make the commute easier." She threw out a seemingly reasonable excuse.

"Vanessa, don't leave! I'm going to miss you too much!"

Vanessa couldn't help but laugh as she spoke softly, "If Gavin misses me, you can call me anytime."

"It's not the same. I want to see you every day." Gavin looked up at her pleadingly. "Why don't you take me with you? I want to live with you!"

"Gavin, stop making a scene." Elaine walked over, frowning. "Vanessa has to work. She doesn't have time to take care of you."

"We can bring the nanny to live with us!"

"..."

Elaine tried to pull him away, but Gavin squirmed wildly, sticking to Vanessa like glue, as if defying anyone to pry them apart.

That little brat!

Giselle was his actual biological sister, yet he insisted on clinging to Vanessa. What a useless child.