Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 23

At noon, Vanessa headed downstairs for lunch.

"Vanessa!"

A bright, joyous voice rang out as a tiny figure dashed toward her with light, rapid steps. Smiling, Vanessa opened her arms and crouched down, catching the boy securely in her embrace.

She easily lifted Gavin Grant, bouncing him slightly as she spoke in a soft, affectionate tone. "You've gotten so tall, Gavin! And a lot heavier, too."

When she left the Grant home three years ago, Gavin had barely reached her knees. Now, he was already up to her waist.

"Vanessa, where have you been all these years? Why didn't you ever call me? I missed you so much."

Gavin wrapped his arms around her neck. His young face still held a bit of baby fat, and his dark, glassy eyes shone with an innocent, stubborn adoration. Even though they were only half-siblings, he had been intensely clingy to her since he was a baby, and his face was currently radiating pure joy.

Other than George, this boy was the only person in this house who genuinely showed her any affection.

She gently ruffled his hair. "I missed you too. But look, I'm back now."

"Are you going to leave again?"

"No, I'm staying."

"Really? Does that mean I get to see you every single day?"

"Yeah."

"Yay!"

Gavin couldn't hide his excitement, his little body wiggling happily in her arms.

Elaine and Giselle happened to be coming down the stairs right at that moment, catching sight of the warm, affectionate reunion between the siblings.

"Gavin, come down. Don't exhaust your sister."

Elaine's tone was gentle, her expression overflowing with doting love for her youngest son.

Vanessa's fingers curled slightly at her sides, fully understanding the underlying jab.

Full-blooded siblings shared a bond and affection that no one else could ever replace.

Elaine's resentment had taken deep root long ago, but she kept it flawlessly hidden. On the surface, she was always the picture of elegance and grace, ensuring anyone who saw her would praise the Grant matriarch for her impeccable virtues.

At the dining table, George placed a portion of BBQ ribs onto Vanessa's plate.

"Thanks, Dad."

"I have an announcement to make. Effective immediately, Vanessa will take on the role of Vice President, overseeing the group's core operations. Giselle, you've worked hard these past two years, so you will be promoted to Project Director. You'll report to Vanessa—use this as an opportunity to learn and grow."

"Dad!" Giselle's voice spiked sharply, her eyes wide in disbelief. "She just got back! She doesn't even know how the company is running right now. Why does she get to be Vice President? I've slaved away at the office for two years and all I get is Project Director?"

"Vanessa graduated with a Master's in Business from a top-tier university. You graduated from a third-rate college and it still took you two years just to handle a project on your own. How can you even compare yourself to her?"