Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 20

His low voice carried a hint of genuine delight.

The entire drive to the hotel, Lucas kept a tight grip on her hand.

He couldn't help but notice that Vanessa was being incredibly quiet today, not having uttered a single word.

He had never seen her this subdued, but he merely chalked it up to pre-wedding jitters.

The hotel ballroom was packed to the brim with guests, the air buzzing with lively chatter and excitement.

Dressed in a simple outfit with a low-pulled baseball cap, Vanessa slipped unnoticed into the crowd.

She watched with cold detachment as Lucas escorted the woman in the red veil into the ballroom, walking slowly down the endless red carpet straight to the altar.

The officiant spoke with a beaming smile.

"Will the groom please lift the bride's veil and step into your happily ever after."

Lucas's eyes were filled with absolute adoration as he reached up and gently pulled back the bright red silk.

The moment he saw the face staring back at him, the smile violently froze on his lips.

"What the hell are you doing here? Where is Vanessa?"

A chilling fury erupted in Lucas's eyes as he glared viciously at her.

The entire ballroom descended into a deafening silence.

Then, furious whispers broke out across the crowd.

"Isn't that his assistant, Chloe? Today is supposed to be Mr. Lowery and Ms. Grant's wedding. Why is she wearing the bridal gown?"

"I always knew she was obsessed with Mr. Lowery, but I never imagined she'd pull a stunt like this."

"Everyone knows Ms. Grant built that company from the ground up with him. She's the love of his life. Showing up like this is absolutely psychotic."

Chloe's face turned completely white, but she forced herself to act calm. "Luke, Vanessa said she wanted us to be together..."

"Bullshit!"

Lucas's pupils shrank as he viciously grabbed her arm. "What exactly did you say to her?"

Just last night, Vanessa had promised she would be waiting for him. If Chloe hadn't run her mouth, Vanessa would never have missed the wedding.

"I swear! Vanessa said she felt guilty because she couldn't satisfy you, that she didn't deserve you, and that she wanted to step aside for us."

Chloe's expression morphed into pure terror.

"Turn it off! Turn it off right now! It's not what it looks like!"

She scrambled to her feet and lunged for the control booth, desperately trying to rip the power cords out. The hotel security guards immediately rushed her, pinning her arms behind her back.

"Ma'am! Do not touch the equipment!"

Every ounce of color drained from Lucas's rigid face, leaving behind nothing but pure, unadulterated menace.

He lunged forward and clamped his hand around Chloe's slender neck, his knuckles turning white as he violently squeezed.

"You filthy bitch! How dare you!"

He had always assumed she was docile, obedient, and knew her place. He had never imagined she would play him like a fool, deliberately orchestrating this disaster right in front of Vanessa.

No wonder Vanessa had suddenly discovered the affair despite how incredibly careful he had been.

Cut off from air, the absolute terror of death sent Chloe thrashing wildly.

"L... Luke, I just... I loved you so much. Let... let me go..."