Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 39

The drawing room plunged into instant silence.

Arthur narrowed his eyes, his heavy gaze sweeping over her, full of piercing scrutiny.

"My dear, a move made cannot be taken back. Since you chose to run three years ago, trying to reignite this marriage won't be that simple."

As the former patriarch of the Howard empire, a man who had weathered decades of corporate warfare, Arthur's voice carried an unshakable, terrifying weight.

"If it cannot be continued, I understand. I just hope you won't hold onto your anger toward me."

Resuming the alliance with the Howards would obviously be a massive victory, but if it failed, she at least wanted to extinguish the old man's wrath and maintain a cordial relationship between the two families.

Seeing that she knew when to advance and when to yield, Arthur's expression softened slightly.

"I accept your apology. We can consider this matter cl—"

Barrett quickly stepped to Arthur's side, leaning down to whisper something into his ear.

Arthur paused. He shot a deliberate glance toward the decorative folding screen in the side hall, his eyes darkening noticeably.

"As for the marriage, I will give it some thought. Go home for now and wait for my word."

Vanessa, who had been cautiously monitoring Arthur's every micro-expression, caught the sudden shift immediately.

Just seconds ago, he was ready to terminate the Grant-Howard marriage entirely, acting as if the proposal had never existed.

But the moment he glanced at the screen, he had changed his tune.

There was someone behind that screen!

She maintained her composure, keeping her eyes respectfully lowered as she replied smoothly, "Yes, sir. We will take our leave."

With that, she gently guided George up to excuse themselves. As they reached the foyer, she paused for a fraction of a second, casting a deep, covert glance toward the folding screen before walking out.

...

Once they were gone, Alistair stepped out from behind the screen.

"There are countless heiresses in Sterling City. Why must it be her?" Arthur asked, utterly bewildered. "What exactly is so special about her?"

Arthur was completely astounded. "So three years ago, when you suddenly asked me to arrange a marriage with the Grant girl, it was a calculated decision?"

It wasn't just some superficial attraction.

He had totally misread the situation!

"Yes," Alistair nodded. "When I was brought back to the family, I didn't actually know who they were. Later on, I sent people to scour the area, only to discover they had long since moved out of Mount Valerius. It wasn't until three years ago that I finally tracked down the Grants, but tragically, Gregory had already passed away in an accident. I never got to thank him in person."

"If that's the case, then this girl really does share a deep connection with our family." Arthur sighed deeply. "Very well. If you care for her, I'll let you have your way."

...

On the drive back, George looked thoroughly confused.

"Nessa, what do you think the old man actually meant?"

He couldn't get a read on him at all.

Vanessa drove steadily, her mind entirely consumed by what had just happened.