Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 60

Seeing her slightly dazed, adorable expression, a faint smile reached his narrow eyes. The corner of his mouth curved into a wicked smirk as he leaned in and murmured, just loud enough for her to hear.

"Don't fall in love with me. I'm just a legend."

"..."

Vanessa fought the urge to roll her eyes, her lips twitching into a tight smile.

She leaned closer and whispered her burning question.

"Who exactly are you? How do you have the power to sway someone like Elena with a single sentence?"

Alistair's tone remained teasing. "Why? Are you interested in me?"

"Yes."

"Given the casual nature of our... arrangement, I don't think we've reached the point of sharing deep, personal secrets."

He tapped his fingers rhythmically against the edge of the table, an unreadable, careless smile dancing in his eyes. "Unless you become my wife. Then I'll tell you absolutely everything."

Vanessa let out a soft huff and looked away.

"Forget it. I suddenly lost interest."

He could keep his secrets; she wasn't that desperate to know.

The deeper the understanding, the deeper the entanglement.

It was better to keep things exactly as they were.

So that when it was time to cut ties, she could make a clean break.

The rest of the meal went smoothly. Elena was a wonderful conversationalist, and they exchanged contact information before leaving.

"Need a ride?"

Alistair asked, standing outside the restaurant with one hand tucked in his pocket.

"No, I drove myself."

"Alright. I'll drop you off, Elena."

Elena got into the car and waved at Vanessa.

"See you later, Vanessa."

"See you."

As Giselle bid Valen goodbye, she caught a glimpse of a familiar car speeding past. Her brow immediately furrowed.

In the Grant Group's underground parking garage.

Vanessa had just turned her steering wheel to back into a spot when a BMW suddenly accelerated, recklessly cutting her off and stealing the space.

"Have you been following me?"

Vanessa calmly pulled into the adjacent empty spot, pushed her door open, and stepped out gracefully to shoot her sister a cool glance.

"When are you going to get over this paranoia?"

Her expression was completely detached, looking at Giselle as if she were dealing with an unreasonable toddler.

"Are you seriously going to deny tracking me?" Giselle snapped, stepping closer.

"Giselle, I know you resent me because you think you're not as pretty, as smart, or as capable in business as I am."

Vanessa's tone was even, every word acting like a precise blade. "But there's no need to project your malice onto everyone else."

"Who says I'm insecure? Who says I'm not as good as you!"

Giselle's eyes went wide with fury, glaring daggers at her. "Don't act so high and mighty, Vanessa! I'm telling you right now, I'm going to lock down the Vittini agency deal before you do! Mr. Valen already reviewed my proposal and promised to consider it! I'm going to prove exactly which one of us is all talk!"