Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 52

"Vanessa, you really are something. Barely back in town and already throwing yourself at men!"

Giselle gripped the steering wheel, her eyes dripping with malice. "If Dad knew how cheap you were acting, he'd be completely disgusted."

Starting the engine, she quietly trailed after them.

She was going to find out exactly which random man Vanessa had hooked up with!

The car cruised smoothly down the street. Alistair glanced at the rearview mirror, his sharp gaze narrowing slightly.

"We have a tail."

Vanessa froze and twisted around to look out the back window.

The flashing neon lights illuminated the license plate.

It was Giselle's car.

The BMW M4 convertible was a gift George had bought for her twentieth birthday.

She had flaunted it in front of Vanessa for weeks back then.

"It's Giselle!"

Vanessa's face went cold. Her sister hadn't gone home; she was following her.

If her father found out she was heading to a hotel to get a room with a man...

Giselle's setup had failed, and now she was desperately trying to dig up dirt for a counterattack.

Vanessa had just met with Arthur Howard a few days ago, and there was still talk of continuing the marriage alliance between their families. If rumors spread of her sneaking around with a man late at night, she would deeply offend the Howards.

Panic setting in, Vanessa grabbed the man's arm.

"Mr. Howard, you have to lose her."

Alistair shot her a sideways glance, amusement lacing his tone. "Why are you acting like we're having a secret affair?"

"..."

They weren't exactly a legitimate couple. Heading out to get a room in the dead of night wasn't something she wanted broadcasted with a megaphone.

They were in Northshore Estates, a premium neighborhood built along the coastline, hidden among lush greenery. The evening breeze carried the salty tang of the ocean, comfortable and soothing.

If she remembered correctly, this luxury development was one of the Howard family's projects.

Perhaps it was guilt, or maybe nerves, but a forbidden thrill of a secret rendezvous began to swell in her chest.

"Alistair, why did you bring me here?"

"I own Villa No. 8. I stay here whenever I come to Sterling City for business."

"Do you do a lot of business in Sterling City?"

"Why?" He arched an eyebrow, his gaze piercing through her. "Worried that my frequent visits will ruin your grand marriage alliance?"

"..."

The man was far too perceptive, easily seeing right through her hidden anxieties.

Alistair took her hand and lowered his head, pressing a soft kiss to her fingertips. A wicked gleam danced in his eyes. "Though, I have to admit, sneaking around like this is pretty thrilling."