The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 127

Claire clenched her fingers, though her face remained perfectly composed.

"It's a billion dollars. Even if you drove me to my grave, I couldn't plug a hole that massive."

"What kind of project did you invest in to get scammed so badly? Look into getting the money back first."

George's expression darkened. "A medical research project. The broker was the daughter of the director at Central General Hospital! With connections like that, how could it possibly..."

Claire cut him off. "Vivian?"

"Yes, her! How did you know?"

A mocking light flickered in Claire's eyes. "You got played. That entire investment was a trap she laid out specifically for you."

George's pupils shrank.

She explained, "Vivian likes Miles, and she sees me as a thorn in her side. She wanted to destroy me, so she targeted your company."

"You... this is all because of you, you damn jinx!"

George raised his hand to slap her.

Claire stood her ground. Not only did she not dodge, but she imperceptibly leaned in slightly.

She tilted her head, letting the fierce, heavy slap scrape across her jaw and graze her neck, leaving a shocking red welt.

The fat on George's face trembled with rage.

She slowly turned her head back. "This exact pathetic state we're in right now is exactly what Vivian wants to see."

"She's already slept with Miles. My position is precarious enough as it is. If you go to him and spout your nonsense, we will truly lose everything."

George panted heavily. "Then what the hell are we supposed to do?"

"I'll figure something out with Miles." Claire sighed. "I just never expected Vivian's schemes to be so flawless. She caught us all in her trap."

"Flawless? Heh, arrogant brat!" George clenched his fists, a sinister glare in his eyes.

"If she backs me into a corner, I'll ruin her entirely!"

Claire stared at him, her gaze darkening.

-

At Grandview Heights.

Claire finished her shower and slipped into a loose, silk slip dress.

She picked up her phone, flipped the camera, and snapped a selfie.

"Dr. Zimmerman, you just turned down my offer to give myself to you. Now it's the middle of the night, we're completely alone, and you're trying to push your way into my apartment. That's not very proper, is it?"

Miles said nothing, his somber, intense gaze making her feel a twinge of guilt.

She dropped her arm and huffed. "Come in, then."

She sprawled lazily onto the sofa, her legs slightly bent. One of the straps slipped off her shoulder, ensuring the already meager dress left virtually nothing to the imagination.

She tilted her chin up at Miles, her voice dripping with seductive tension.

"Come on. I won't resist. You can do whatever you want with me, Dr. Zimmerman..."

Miles ignored her provocation. He gently tilted her head, pulled out an iodine swab, and began dabbing delicately at her injury.

His movements were tender, but his voice was grave.

"How did this happen?"

Claire's long eyelashes fluttered as she offered him a half-truth.

"It was George. He got scammed on an investment and bankrupted his company, and he came demanding money."

Miles's grip on the swab tightened. "Why didn't you tell me?"