Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 32

The Grant family had utilized every possible connection and spent more than half a year searching, but they found absolutely nothing.

Later on, seeing George spiral into a deep depression over the missing woman, his family arranged a blind date between him and Elaine.

The very first time she laid eyes on George, she was deeply drawn to his handsome features and steady demeanor. Even when he admitted that his heart still belonged to his missing lover and that he had a baby daughter to care for, she chose to marry him without a second thought.

She had naively believed that as long as she was gentle and supportive enough, she would eventually replace that woman in his heart. But more than two decades had passed, and she had never truly managed to break into George's inner world.

After years of standing faithfully by his side, she had somehow lost to a woman who had been missing for years, whose very survival was unknown.

George thought he had been secretive about sending people to look for that woman over the years, but did he really believe she was entirely clueless?

At first, she had been consumed by anxiety, terrified that he might actually bring the woman back and that all her years of sacrifice would go down the drain. But as the years ticked by with no news whatsoever, her heavy heart slowly began to settle.

Perhaps that woman was already dead.

...

Vanessa had spent the night at Seraphina's place.

The next morning, she arrived at the company right on time.

George's executive assistant, Max Ames, led her to an office near the windows.

"Nessa, this is the office Mr. Grant specifically arranged for you. Is it to your liking?"

The space wasn't massive, but it was spotless, well-lit, and incredibly inviting.

It had everything she needed.

Vanessa nodded. "Thank you."

She wasn't picky about her workspace. All she needed was a quiet, private area to handle her business.

"Mr. Grant mentioned that if you can secure the exclusive Greater China distribution rights for Vittini before Giselle does, you'll be officially moved to the Vice President's suite."

"Where is my father?"

"Mr. Grant is in his office."

She gave a brief nod and went to find George.

"Seven and a half million dollars."

"I'll have the company reimburse you. Keep your own money for a rainy day."

"No need," Vanessa shook her head in refusal. "If Elaine and Giselle find out, they'll just hold it against you."

George's voice softened. "You don't need to worry about them. Even if they know, they wouldn't dare say a word. We are a family—we rise and fall together. This painting is to mend fences with the Howards, so the company should cover it. Give me a few days to find out the old man's schedule, and I'll go with you."

"Alright." She nodded.

"Oh, right." George handed her a thick stack of documents. "Go through these files in the next couple of days so you can get up to speed on the company's operations."

Vanessa took the stack and flipped it open, quickly realizing that these were the core operational files of Grant Enterprises from the past few years.

"Got it. I'll read them right away."

As Vanessa stepped out of the office, George called toward the door.

"Max."