Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 27

Seeing she hadn't returned, Seraphina came out to look for her.

Finding her spaced out by the railing, she called her name several times with no response before walking over and gently tapping her shoulder.

"What are you thinking about so intensely?"

Vanessa snapped out of it, lowering her eyes. "Nothing. Shall we go shopping?"

Her clothes from three years ago were hopelessly out of style. It was time for an update.

While she had been with Lucas, she rarely bought designer brands, wearing cheap knockoffs to keep him from suspecting anything. Her most expensive trench coat hadn't even cracked four digits.

Now that they had broken up, she didn't have to hold back anymore.

She took Seraphina to a luxury boutique she used to frequent. Manager Hall recognized her instantly and enthusiastically guided them toward the VIP lounge.

"Ms. Grant, it's been far too long! We just received a few limited-edition new arrivals. I'm sure you'll love them."

Vanessa smiled. "Bring them all out for me to see."

The manager immediately assigned staff to cater to their every need, personally bringing over the limited-edition and seasonal items for her to inspect and select.

She picked out her favorites and swiped her card.

As they walked out of the VIP room, she spotted Giselle walking in with a man.

"Manager Hall, where is the limited-edition crocodile bag I asked you to hold for me?"

Giselle looked up, her brow instantly furrowing as she saw Vanessa.

"What are you doing here!"

Vanessa threw her a casual glance and turned to the manager. "Please have my purchases delivered to the usual address."

"Right away."

It was her money, and she had the freedom to spend it on whomever she pleased.

"I genuinely never realized your sister was such a massive simp," Seraphina mused as they walked out of the store.

Vanessa chimed in, "A simp who will end up with absolutely nothing."

Ever since high school, George had given both sisters the exact same allowance. Giselle blew through hers every month, and Elaine would secretly slip her more when she ran out. Vanessa had been far more forward-thinking, investing in stocks and mutual funds. She had made a fortune over the years, more than enough to support her lifestyle.

The initial seed money she gave Lucas for his startup had all come from her stock market returns.

"I've already looked into him for you. Mr. Howard is incredibly reclusive and his movements are a mystery. Barely anyone in the country has ever seen him in person. I've reached out to a friend in New York to help dig around, and I'll let you know the second I hear anything."

She didn't know much about Alistair, only that he held dual PhDs in Financial Engineering and Computer Science from Stanford University, graduating at the absolute top of his class.

The quantitative trading model he developed in college was bought out by top Wall Street investment banks for an astronomical sum. Upon returning home, he took the helm of the Howard Group. In three years, he completely restructured their capital empire, sending their tech and finance divisions straight to the top of the industry. Holding several international financial patents, he was universally acknowledged by Wall Street and the domestic elite as a master-level tactician.