Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 66

She wanted them to know that Giselle's three years of effort didn't even equal one single move from her.

When it came to pure talent, hard work only determined the baseline. Talent dictated the ceiling.

Back in school, while Vanessa was grinding away at her studies, Giselle was being paraded around theme parks by Elaine. While Vanessa was entering competitions and taking home medals, Giselle and Elaine were vacationing and shopping abroad.

During their senior year of high school, if Vanessa hadn't dragged Giselle through tutoring sessions, the girl probably wouldn't have even graduated college.

George understood her intentions completely.

"Don't worry, we'll do exactly as you asked."

"Until then, no matter who asks, I hope you'll keep this strictly under wraps, Dad."

"Whatever you say."

He knew Vanessa had been sharp and decisive since she was a little girl, just like her mother.

Giselle was on pins and needles the entire day.

Right up until quitting time, she hadn't heard a single whisper about Vanessa signing with Vittini. Her suspended anxiety finally landed safely.

She wondered just how capable Vanessa actually thought she was.

In the end, she had failed just like Giselle.

As long as Vanessa didn't succeed either, Giselle didn't have to face any real humiliation.

Once she got home, Elaine immediately asked how it went.

"So? Did you manage to sign the contract?"

To help her daughter smoothly transition into the Vice President role, Elaine had gone out of her way to beg her cousin for a favor.

Her cousin had personal ties with Valen, and the two often played golf together.

Banking on that connection, Valen had agreed to give Giselle a shot.

"I failed. Valen couldn't make the call at all."

"What happened?"

"It was supposed to be a sure thing, but Vittini's Asia-Pacific President, Elena, insisted on seeing my proposal and vetoed it on the spot. Valen was completely chewed out by that woman and didn't even dare to breathe."

"And what about Vanessa's side of things?"

George took the cup, taking a slow sip. "You don't need to trouble yourself over this. I already have a plan for Vanessa."

This mother-daughter duo was simply too eager.

Even if Vanessa really was more capable and outranked Giselle at the company, they couldn't wait to dictate where she belonged.

Unfortunately for them, they were about to be severely disappointed.

...

Back in her room, Vanessa took out her phone and scrolled through her notifications.

Half an hour ago, Alistair had finally sent her a reply.

[I'm out of Sterling City right now. Dinner can wait until I get back.]

Vanessa stared at the screen, momentarily stunned.

She hadn't realized he was actually quite the busy man.

It was probably for the best that he was out of town, saving her from the anxiety of him randomly showing up and keeping her on edge.