Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 76

She discovered the first-floor restrooms were under maintenance.

She had no choice but to head up to the second floor.

Compared to the bustling first floor, the second floor was spacious and deserted.

A group of people walked toward her from the opposite direction.

The man leading the pack wore a bespoke, pure black suit. The fabric was a matte, textured Italian wool that exuded an understated yet incredibly luxurious sheen under the lights.

The shoulder lines were razor-sharp, and the waist was perfectly tailored, highlighting his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and perfectly straight posture.

His subtle cufflinks hinted at immense wealth, and every step he took carried an innate, suffocating dominance.

Vanessa stopped in her tracks, a wave of panic hitting her.

She hadn't expected to run into him here at all.

Just as she hesitated over whether to greet him, the man led his entourage right past her without breaking stride, not sparing her a single glance.

It wasn't until they vanished into a private suite that Vanessa's tense body finally relaxed.

An inexplicable trace of disappointment brushed against her heart.

It seemed he really had taken her morning text to heart.

This was for the best. From now on, they were just strangers.

Their illicit history was over and done with. They could go their separate ways and live happily.

Having steadied her emotions, she was on her phone as she slowly walked out of the restroom.

Suddenly, a large, well-defined hand reached out from a nearby private room, forcefully grabbing her arm and hauling her inside without a word.

"Max, is there a mistake with your infor— Ah!"

Vanessa's heart hammered, but she forced herself to play it cool. "Can't you handle a casual fling, Mr. Howard?"

"So, you were just playing me?" Alistair's dark eyes narrowed dangerously, a look that promised he would kill her on the spot if she dared say 'yes.'

She frantically averted her gaze. "The point is, we both had a great time that night, didn't we?"

"I helped you secure the Vittini project, and you think sleeping with me once makes us even?" He flashed an inscrutable smile. "Am I that easy to dismiss in your eyes?"

Vanessa bit her lip. "We slept together a few times. Don't tell me you actually caught feelings for me, Mr. Howard?"

"I wouldn't call it love, but we're exceptionally compatible in a certain area. I wouldn't mind developing a long-term arrangement."

"Well, I would mind!" Vanessa's smile faded. "You should know I'm getting married soon, so a long-term arrangement is out of the question. I have no intention of continuing to tangle with you."

The Howard family practically controlled the entire city. Now that she was committed to marrying Ace Howard, if she dared to fool around with another man behind his back, she probably wouldn't even know how she died.

He chuckled deeply, a playful edge to his tone. "It's just an arranged marriage. You two have no emotional foundation. I wouldn't even mind being your side piece. You really don't need to act so exceptionally faithful."