Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 22

Since they were young, Giselle had always been at odds with her. Perhaps because their father favored Vanessa, it gave Giselle a massive chip on her shoulder, making her turn everything into a competition.

"What is with all this screaming? Have you no manners?"

Hearing the commotion, Elaine Grant walked out, freezing the moment she saw Vanessa.

"Vanessa. You're back."

Her tone was lukewarm, completely lacking in warmth.

Vanessa greeted her politely. "Elaine."

Elaine nodded. "Your father is in his study. Go on up."

Behind her, she could hear Elaine scolding Giselle.

"A lady shouldn't be screaming like a banshee. Is this how I raised you?"

"Mom, she was totally out of line! She provoked me on purpose!"

Vanessa dropped her suitcase off in her bedroom before heading to the study.

"Dad."

George Grant looked up, a gentle smile on his face. "You're back?"

"Yeah."

"Is everything sorted out over there?"

"Yeah."

"Since you're home, don't worry about anything. As for the Howard family... we'll let nature take its course."

The Howards of Sterling City were a top-tier dynasty, and families practically killed each other for a chance to secure a marriage alliance with them.

Years ago, he and Vanessa had accidentally saved Arthur Howard during a sudden medical emergency. To his utter shock, the old man later proactively proposed that Vanessa join the Howard family.

At the time, he had been so dizzy with this heaven-sent opportunity that he hadn't even asked Vanessa what she wanted before accepting the engagement on her behalf.

When Vanessa ran off without a word three years ago, he had gone to Grandpa Howard the very next day to beg for forgiveness. Though the old man hadn't uttered a single harsh word, George could easily feel the heavy, oppressive tension and the thinly veiled fury radiating from him.

"Hello?"

"Vanessa, it's me! Dolly Sutton."

Vanessa remembered her. She was the receptionist at Vortex Group, a very sweet and enthusiastic girl.

"Dolly, is something wrong?"

"Vanessa, the executives from Titan Holdings came to Vortex this afternoon. When Mr. Lowery found out you sold your shares to Titan, he completely lost his mind! He's sending people everywhere to track you down. You have to stay hidden. Do not let that scumbag find you!"

Vanessa laughed. "Aren't you worried he'll take his anger out on you if he finds out you warned me?"

"I'm not scared! The worst he can do is fire me. I noticed something was off between him and Chloe a long time ago. I thought it was just Chloe throwing herself at him, but I never imagined... Ugh, and he always played the devoted boyfriend. It makes me sick."

It was true. Lucas's persona as the devoted partner had fooled everyone. Even she, the woman who had shared his bed for three years, hadn't noticed his betrayal. How could anyone else?

She hung up, pulled out her SIM card, and flushed it down the toilet.

Since she had decided to move on, she was going to sever every last tie to Savannah!