Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 75

As night fell, the city lights flickered to life, neon spilling through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The crystal chandeliers bathed the grand banquet hall in a radiant, dazzling glow.

Vanessa wore a matte, light-camel pantsuit. It was sleek and minimalist, low-profile yet undeniably high-quality.

Her long hair was pulled back perfectly into a low bun, exposing the slender, elegant curve of her neck. She radiated an aloof, sophisticated aura.

Stepping into the hall, she took a glass of champagne and found a quiet, secluded corner to sit in, her posture relaxed and her gaze completely indifferent.

Whenever a guest walked through the main doors, she merely offered a passing glance, completely unfazed.

Until the very next second, when two exceptionally eye-catching figures unexpectedly collided with her line of sight.

It was Lucas and Chloe.

The man was dressed in a slate-gray patterned suit, sharply tailored to emphasize his tall, imposing physique. He looked distinguished and commanding, emitting an unapproachable dominance.

Beside him, Chloe wore a vivid crimson, fitted knee-length dress. It was bold, flashy, and utterly seductive.

He even brought her along on a business trip to a summit.

In their three years together, he had never once brought Vanessa to a single banquet.

She hadn't thought much of it before, but looking back now, he clearly felt she wasn't presentable enough.

This was the man she had poured her heart and soul out for, loving him with everything she had.

Time and time again, he had lied and brushed her off, yet he still dared to claim he had deep feelings for her.

It was completely laughable!

Lucas swept his gaze across the room. Spotting an acquaintance, he quietly instructed Chloe to go grab two glasses of champagne.

He stepped forward and walked straight ahead.

"Caleb, it's been a while."

Seeing the man approach, Caleb Dalton's eyes paused. Stripped of his usual warmth, his tone was flat.

"Ah, Lucas. What a coincidence."

Lucas acutely sensed the cold shoulder, but maintaining a polite smile, he initiated the conversation.

Though Caleb had never interacted closely with Vanessa, her conversational poise and natural elegance, combined with the way Silas treated her, were enough to tell him she was someone significant.

Lucas froze in place, a fleeting look of bewilderment crossing his dark eyes.

He had lived with Vanessa day in and day out for three years. If she had some prestigious background, how could he have been completely oblivious?

Was Silas's sudden investment three years ago really orchestrated by Vanessa behind the scenes?

Why would she do that?

"Luke, is something wrong?"

Chloe returned with the champagne, stepping forward gently when she noticed his grave expression.

Lucas snapped out of his daze, taking the glass. With heavy shadows in his eyes, he replied coldly, "It's nothing."

The summit officially began, but the person Vanessa was truly waiting for still hadn't appeared.

She decided to hit the restroom and then leave the hotel to avoid running into Lucas and his mistress.