The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 172

Claire instinctively glanced toward the private room nearby before withdrawing her gaze and answering honestly. "Actually, Martha, I already have a boyfriend."

The smile on Martha's face stiffened for a second, but she quickly recovered, maintaining her gracious demeanor.

"Balancing a successful career and romance, you truly are an exceptional young woman, Claire."

Beside them, Julian picked up his wine glass, his eyes darkening.

In the adjacent private room, the corners of Miles's lips involuntarily curled upward.

The resort executives sitting around the table were dying of anxiety.

Why was the boss suddenly smiling again? A collective shudder ran through them.

The manager asked cautiously, "Boss, is everything alright?"

Miles waved a hand dismissively. "It's nothing. Continue."

The executives were completely bewildered.

At the entrance of the banquet hall, Yvonne strode in wearing a sharp, tailored business suit.

She casually tossed a gift onto the reception table and addressed Martha. "Wishing you a happy birthday."

Her voice dripped with dismissal, completely devoid of sincerity.

Julian frowned, speaking bluntly. "Ms. Zimmerman, I don't recall inviting you."

Yvonne stepped forward and let out a light scoff. "You misunderstand, Julian. I didn't come here specifically for your little banquet."

"This resort is Zimmerman Group property. I shouldn't need your permission to visit my own territory. As for the gift, I picked it up for Martha on my way. Why do you look so upset?"

She spoke with extreme arrogance, her tone filled with condescension.

Claire stood up, her voice icy. "Even if it is Zimmerman property, so what? Julian rented this venue, which means you do not have the right to use it during this time."

Yvonne choked on her words, but then something clicked in her mind, and she sneered leisurely.

"Are you that afraid of me being here? Or are you just afraid I'll run into Quinn Lennox?"

"Nati? You want to poach her?"

"Of course I do," Yvonne sneered.

Claire raised her eyes. "If Nati is so incredible, why hasn't OCHH Luxury released a single piece by her since the Nova Collection?"

Yvonne froze at the question. She clearly hadn't considered that.

"You... what do you know, Claire? Nati is just biding her time. Did you think a masterpiece like the Nova Collection was as easy to churn out as the garbage you draw at Luna Atelier?"

"Oh—" Claire swirled the wine in her glass nonchalantly. "Then I wish you the best of luck in getting what you want."

Another commotion broke out at the entrance of the banquet hall.

Quinn Lennox had arrived.

Behind her trailed the original founding partners of OCHH Luxury.