Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 94

Elaine caught the underlying insult, the smile on her face slipping slightly.

"When you want something, you have to fight tooth and nail for it. The world only cares about the final result, not the process."

Fine. She would consider this a test.

She wanted to see if this famous Ace Howard was truly as immune to women as the rumors claimed.

A few moments later, Giselle returned with red, teary eyes.

"Mom, let's go."

Elaine wanted to press for details, but with Vanessa sitting right there, she held her tongue. Seeing her daughter looking completely humiliated, she had no choice but to get up and leave with her.

When the man finally returned, he wasn't alone.

The second Vanessa saw the face of the man trailing behind him, she nearly choked on her wine, launching into a violent coughing fit.

"Come on, have a seat."

He guided Alistair to the empty chair on Vanessa's left.

"A... Alistair, let me introduce you. This is the eldest daughter of the Grant family, Vanessa Grant."

Alistair pulled a napkin and handed it to her, his dark eyes swirling with profound, mocking amusement. "Ms. Grant is certainly a vision of grace and elegance. Absolutely breathtaking."

He dragged out the last two words, loading them with a heavy, suggestive double meaning that made her skin burn.

"...Cough! Cough!"

Vanessa choked harder, her face flushing crimson.

Afraid she was actually going to pass out, Alistair reached over and gently patted her back with his large hand.

Terrified, Vanessa shoved him away and darted a frantic glance toward the older man.

Seeing that he was facing away from them to adjust his cuffs, she let out a quiet breath of relief and shot Alistair a lethal glare.

He actually knew Ace Howard! Why hadn't he ever told her?

Alistair simply arched a brow in response.

"Alistair, it's been ages. Are you free for a round of golf tomorrow?" the older man asked, turning back with a smile.

"Sure."

"My swing has improved a lot over the past two years. I'll definitely beat you this time."

"Right. You said that last time, too."

"..."

Alistair smirked lazily. "I hope my sudden arrival didn't interrupt anything?"

"Not at all, I—"

"My grandfather is."

"..."

Perfect. He had been playing word games with her all along.

But wait, if Ace was Arthur Howard's grandson, why did Alistair call him Uncle? What exactly was their family tree?

Was the Howard family dynamic really this chaotic?

Her thoughts felt like a hopelessly tangled ball of yarn, unable to find a single loose end.

Seeing her utterly spaced out, Alistair stood up. "It looks like you've lost your appetite, Ms. Grant. Let's go. I'll take you home."

With that, he led the way out.

Vanessa trailed behind him in a daze, completely failing to notice when he suddenly stopped walking.

Caught off guard, she slammed face-first into his solid back, her ankle twisting violently as she lost her balance.

With lightning reflexes, Alistair spun around and caught her by the waist, pulling her flush against his chest.

He looked down at the woman in his arms, her eyes red-rimmed and glassy with unshed tears, and his gaze darkened.

"Can't watch where you're going? Or are you just throwing yourself into my arms on purpose, Ms. Grant?"