Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 162

"Willow, Elena practically promised you the Vittini endorsement just a few days ago. Why would she suddenly change her mind?" Stella asked. "Do you want to go beg Mr. Rhodes?"

Willow frowned, deep in thought. "Where would I even find him? He was already annoyed last night. If I go annoying him again, he'll just end up despising me."

She had managed to stay by Zachary Rhodes' side for two years purely because she was more perceptive and obedient than the rest.

Stella didn't dare offer any reckless advice.

"As long as the official ambassador hasn't been announced, I still have a chance!" Willow smirked. "We'll come back and see Elena when she's less busy."

...

Ever since Lucas Lowery was ousted from Vortex Group, he had spent his days holed up in his Clearwater Cove house, drinking heavily.

When he woke from his stupor, he was greeted by an empty, cold home.

There was no longer anyone making him home-cooked meals or gently telling him to cut back on the alcohol. Memories of his time with Vanessa flashed through his mind, bringing a suffocating wave of despair to his chest.

He never expected that making one mistake would cost him Vanessa forever.

She had promised to love him always, claiming that as long as he didn't give up, she would never leave.

She was so ruthless.

She had walked away without looking back.

He had arrogantly assumed that she wouldn't be able to survive without him.

But reality proved that he was the one who couldn't survive without her.

Only now did he understand what it felt like to sit alone in an empty house, waiting for someone to come home.

In the past, while he was out socializing and fooling around with Chloe Quinn, Vanessa had waited alone for his return. She must have been overwhelmingly lonely and increasingly disappointed.

Yet he had continuously pushed his luck, taking everything she did for granted.

Just then, a notification pinged on his phone. It was a photo from a private investigator.

The image stung his eyes.

Vanessa was nestled softly against a man's side, their fingers intertwined, sharing an intimate kiss. Who knew what else they were doing behind closed doors.

Seeing her approach, Lucas's dull eyes lit up, and he walked straight over to her.

His features were still sharp and handsome, but his face was covered in stubble, dark circles weighed heavily under his eyes, and he reeked of defeated desperation.

"Vanessa..."

He held the flowers out to her. "I've completely cut ties with Chloe. She hurt you, and she'll be spending the rest of her life in prison. Can you... can you ever forgive me?"

Nineteen yellow roses—a plea for forgiveness and a desire to be together forever.

Vanessa's eyes flashed with mockery. She reached out, took the flowers under his hopeful gaze, and mercilessly dumped the entire bouquet into the nearest trash can.

Lucas's handsome face froze in shock.

"A delayed apology is completely worthless! What makes you think I'd ever forgive you? Lucas, we are done."

She had already moved on, yet he naively believed there was still a chance for them to reconcile.

It was laughable!