Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 62

It was clear she took this opportunity very seriously and was eagerly anticipating it.

Vanessa's expression remained placid as she walked past her and headed straight downstairs.

"Vanessa! It's incredibly rude to ignore someone when they're talking to you!"

Giselle hurried after her, absolute certainty hiding in her eyes. She refused to believe Vanessa didn't care. She was just playing it cool; inside, she had to be losing her mind with jealousy.

She was determined to see Vanessa look defeated and bitter.

"What's going on here?"

In the dining room, George Grant looked up from his morning paper as the two sisters walked in one after the other.

Vanessa took the seat right beside him, while Giselle deliberately chose the spot directly opposite her, making her combative stance glaringly obvious.

The maid served their breakfast, setting the plates before them.

Vanessa picked up a piece of toast, lightly spread some jam on it, and took a leisurely bite before speaking in a calm tone.

"Dad, Giselle has some good news to share with you."

"Oh?" George shifted his gaze to Giselle. "What good news?"

The corners of Giselle's mouth tipped higher, her tone laced with poorly concealed triumph.

"I just got a call from Valen. He asked me to swing by his office a bit later."

A flicker of surprise crossed George's eyes.

"You managed to convince Mr. Valen?"

"Of course." She tilted her chin up. "He said my proposal was excellent and that he would seriously consider a partnership. Calling me this morning obviously means we're finalizing the contract."

"Well done!" George praised her immediately, then added a word of caution. "Mind your manners when you get there. Don't do anything to embarrass the company."

"I know, Dad."

Giselle agreed, shooting a sideways glance at Vanessa, her heart soaring with delight.

Her father was actually praising her right in front of Vanessa. That was a rare victory.

A guaranteed loser, yet here she was, putting on an act and talking big in front of their father. Giselle despised Vanessa's confident, in-control demeanor more than anything; it was absolutely nauseating.

After breakfast, Giselle eagerly grabbed her purse and sped off arrogantly in her convertible BMW.

Vanessa drove to the office but didn't rush to contact Elena.

She slipped off her jacket, draped it over her chair, and casually grabbed a fresh tin of white tea from the cabinet, taking her time to boil the water.

Steam curled into the air, filling the room with the crisp, soothing scent of tea leaves.

She sank into the plush leather sofa, holding the warm porcelain cup. She took slow, small sips, her expression entirely serene. There was no trace of anxiety. Instead, she used the quiet moment to mentally map out her next steps.

At half-past ten, the phone on her desk rang, breaking the silence in the room.

Vanessa looked up. The moment she saw the caller ID flashing on the screen, a hint of a smile flickered in her eyes.

She tapped the screen to answer, her voice calm and warm.

"Elena?"