Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 61

Vanessa smiled faintly.

"Why are you getting so defensive? If you're really that capable, talk to me after you've actually signed the contract with Vittini."

After speaking, she brushed past Giselle and stepped into the elevator.

Before the doors could close, Giselle squeezed in and stood right beside her.

"I've got everything lined up and ready to go. The only thing left is putting pen to paper! I just hope you can stay this calm when it happens, Vanessa."

Vanessa lifted her gaze. "Compared to that, I'm more curious about how you managed to convince Valen to meet with you privately."

After all, the fiasco from the other day had left a terrible impression on him.

When Giselle had approached him back then, Valen hadn't just rejected her—he had tossed her proposal straight into the trash.

She didn't believe Giselle's silver tongue was enough to win him over.

Giselle couldn't wait to show off.

"Well, it helps that I have a great mother. Unlike you, who doesn't even know who your own mother is. It's truly pathetic!"

This was probably the only thing Giselle could hold over Vanessa's head.

Vanessa's fingers curled inward. It was true—she had never met her mother, let alone known who she was.

Where did she come from, and where did she go?

Even the name Isabella Grant was just what her father had given her when he took her in.

Seeing her silence, Giselle assumed she had hit a nerve. A smug smirk curled her lips.

"Your mother never legally married Dad. My mother is his lawful wife. I'm the true heiress of the Grant family. Even if you want to fight me for it, you'll never win."

Vanessa had never once wanted to fight her for anything. She simply wanted to share her father's burdens and contribute to the family business. That was it.

"Giselle, the dark ages are over. You're too young to have such a painfully outdated mindset. Besides, I'm Dad's daughter, and I'm legally recognized in this family. Whether you like it or not, the fact that I'm your older sister isn't going to change."

The elevator doors slid open, and Vanessa stepped out.

Giselle stomped her foot in pure frustration, seething.

Just you wait, Vanessa!

Let's see how stubborn you are once I secure that contract.

Back in her office, Vanessa had barely sat down when her phone rang. It was Julian Howard.

She lowered her eyes, masking the emotions swirling within.

Once, she had gambled everything on love, like a moth drawn to a flame.

Perhaps a marriage of mutual respect would offer a different kind of peace.

That didn't mean she would never fall for a man again, only that she would never surrender herself so unconditionally.

Suddenly, Alistair Howard crossed her mind.

Even though her heart fluttered for him, they were destined to be impossible.

It was time to find a moment and end things with him for good!

...

Early the next morning.

Giselle strutted over to Vanessa, practically glowing with arrogance.

"Valen has agreed to sign with me. I'm heading to his office today to finalize the contract."

She was dressed in a cream tweed designer suit, the cropped jacket lined with delicate pearl trim. The skirt fell perfectly to reveal her slender calves, paired with matching Mary Janes that accentuated her stunning curves. A dainty gold brooch on her lapel matched the pearl earrings she wore, every detail screaming meticulous perfection.