Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 67

Just as she was about to take off her makeup, her phone suddenly rang. It was Seraphina Sloan.

"Babe, dinner at Zephyr Bistro?"

Vanessa agreed. "See you soon."

As soon as she walked downstairs, she saw the family's nanny leading little Gavin Grant inside. The young boy was wearing his tiny backpack, taking short, eager steps. It was clear he had just gotten off from school.

"Gavin, come here to Mom."

Elaine smiled tenderly, waving him over.

Gavin was just about to run to her when he caught sight of the figure descending the stairs. His eyes instantly lit up.

"Vanessa!"

His voice was crisp and full of pure joy.

Vanessa's lips curled into a smile. "Are you done with school, Gavin?"

"Yeah! Vanessa, I scored a hundred on my test today, and my teacher gave me a big White Rabbit milk candy as a reward. I want to give it to you."

He trotted up to her, fishing the candy out of his tiny pocket and offering it up with complete sincerity.

Vanessa reached out and gently ruffled his hair.

"Your teacher gave this to you, Gavin. You should keep it for yourself."

Why would she snatch a piece of candy from a child?

"Gavin Grant, I'm your sister too! If she doesn't want it, give it to me. I love sweets."

Giselle emerged from the kitchen holding a fruit platter. The second she saw her little brother trying to suck up to the person she hated most, her expression instantly darkened.

"Vanessa, I held onto this candy all day just for you. I brought it all the way back home for you."

Acting as if he was terrified it would be snatched away, Gavin hurriedly pressed the candy into Vanessa's palm, throwing a guarded, suspicious glare in Giselle's direction.

Giselle ground her teeth in sheer annoyance.

Who exactly was his real sibling here?

Vanessa paused slightly, looking down at the candy in her hand, a genuine smile breaking across her face.

She crouched down slowly in front of him and carefully peeled back the wrapper.

"Gavin, open wide."

Gavin obediently opened his mouth.

With a flick of her fingers, Vanessa gently tossed the sweet into his mouth.

Taking advantage of the opening, he bolted straight into Elaine's arms.

Elaine hugged him tight and frowned. "Gavin is just a child. Why are you picking fights with him? You're always so mean to him. How do you expect him to feel close to you?"

Vanessa was always gentle and smiled warmly at Gavin. What child wouldn't gravitate toward that?

Gavin peeked out from Elaine's embrace and shot a triumphant, mocking face at Giselle.

"Mom, look at him! How am I supposed to act warm and fuzzy around that?" Giselle was equal parts furious and frustrated.

Every time she saw him practically groveling at Vanessa's feet, she wanted to pick him up and smack some sense into him until he cried!

...

Zephyr Bistro.

Tucked away in the heart of the bustling city, the rustic tiles and white walls, along with its winding, secluded stone paths, created an oasis that blocked out the noisy chaos entirely.

Passing through the moon gate, Vanessa pushed open the wooden door of the private dining room.

The interior was minimalist and traditional, featuring wooden tables and simple chairs that exuded a quiet elegance.

Seraphina Sloan was already seated. Seeing her walk in, her eyes curved with a smile. "Vanessa, I swear you're glowing even more lately."