The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 176

Zimmerman Manor.

Alistair Zimmerman sat on the living room sofa, blowing lightly on his hot tea before taking a slow sip.

"Miles, you have to attend the Zimmerman Group's Silver Jubilee Gala this time."

Miles kept his eyes lowered, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the Blessed Guardian Rosary around his wrist.

"I'm not going. The hospital is too busy."

"You're busy all year round," Alistair scoffed coldly. "You've never once attended the company gala in all these years. Outsiders probably think I don't even have a second son!"

Sitting nearby, Victor maintained a mild expression, but a vicious glint flashed through his eyes.

"Dad, the hospital work is grueling. If Miles doesn't want to go, let it be. He dislikes the business side of things anyway. Forcing him to attend isn't right."

He played the role of the considerate older brother flawlessly.

Alistair shot his eldest son a sharp glare, his tone dropping.

"It doesn't matter if he dislikes it. This year is different. He has to make an appearance."

The smile on Victor's face stiffened, but he quickly smoothed it over. "Miles, you should listen to Dad."

Alistair set down his teacup. "By the way, Miles, bring Claire along."

"If you don't show up, I'll go talk to her myself! This is the perfect opportunity to..."

Alistair trailed off, a bright, undeniable smile plastered across his face. His implication was obvious.

Miles frowned slightly, remaining silent for a long moment.

"Her mother was recently discharged from the hospital, so she doesn't have the time. I'll attend by myself."

His father wanted to use the Zimmerman Group gala as a platform to publicly announce their relationship.

If this were before, Miles would have agreed without hesitation.

He was still desperate to make their relationship public, but he refused to force Claire into acknowledging a commitment she wasn't ready for.

"Fine, as long as you attend," Alistair replied, not wanting to push his luck.

She leaned closer to the camera. "You're still awake, Dr. Zimmerman?"

Miles instinctively looked away, his throat suddenly feeling incredibly dry.

"Yeah. I'm at the manor. I didn't go back to Grandview Heights."

Claire arched an eyebrow. "I knew you didn't go back. There's no way you'd go back without coming to see me. Right, Dr. Zimmerman?"

She dragged out the last syllable with a hint of smugness.

Miles gave a slight nod.

She adjusted her phone, setting it down further away, and went back to packing the suitcase on the floor.

Seeing the suitcase, Miles's eyes darkened.

"Are you... going somewhere?"

"Nowhere. Just packing some hospital essentials for Quinn." Claire's voice grew a bit heavy. "Dr. Zimmerman, is she going to be okay?"