Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 51

Vanessa didn't expect Alistair to take her to the restroom.

"Wash up."

Alistair lifted his chin, his gaze falling on her fingertips.

Vanessa finally noticed the dirt on her fingers. She set the proposal aside on the counter and turned on the faucet.

The cool water rushed over her hands, washing away the grime and somewhat soothing the bitter ache in her chest.

She rubbed her fingers under the stream, hearing the soft rustle of pages beside her.

Alistair had picked up her proposal. His long, elegant fingers turned the pages, his expression serious.

After a moment, he spoke with quiet certainty. "Not bad."

Vanessa turned off the tap and grabbed a paper towel, her movements sluggish with self-deprecation.

"What's the point of it being good? With no one to appreciate it, it's just a stack of waste paper."

Alistair arched a brow. "Is this project that important to you?"

"Of course. Giselle isn't happy with my father's decision to make me vice president, so he gave us a test. I doubt anyone enjoys being walked all over."

Given Giselle's arrogant nature, if she actually took the vice president position, the constant mockery and bossing around would be unbearable.

For Vanessa, it was all or nothing. If she was going to do it, she would be the best!

"Do you still remember what you promised me tonight?" Alistair asked, a half-smile playing on his lips.

"Huh?"

The change in topic was so abrupt it took her a second to catch up, a flash of guilt crossing her eyes.

She remembered, of course, but it had just been a ploy to get him to bring her inside.

"I'm not really in the mood... Can we take a raincheck?"

She pulled the proposal from his hands, preparing to make a run for it.

Alistair stared at the woman before him. With her bright, pleading eyes, she looked like a little fox begging for treats. He clicked his tongue, a sudden surge of irritation flaring in his chest. He reached out, gripping the back of her neck and pulling her in until their foreheads rested against each other, their breaths mingling.

"If I introduce you, are you going to make good on that promise?"

"Absolutely!"

More than good!

She wasn't losing out anyway. She'd get to enjoy herself and achieve her goal at the same time.

Where else could she find such a perfect deal?

Alistair's lips curved into a smirk as he led her out of the hotel.

Outside, Giselle sat in her car, grinding her teeth as she waited for Vanessa to emerge, determined to settle the score.

Suddenly, she spotted Vanessa walking out of the hotel hand-in-hand with a tall, striking man. The two headed straight for an exclusive, limited-edition Maybach parked by the curb.

From her distance, Giselle couldn't make out the man's face, but she was certain it wasn't Valen. Dressed in a sharply tailored black suit, the man's broad-shouldered, lean silhouette exuded an effortless, untouchable elegance.