The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 178

The third floor of the Royal Imperial Hotel.

Claire had received a massive commission for Luna Atelier, and the client had insisted on meeting in person.

But this location... Claire stood outside the grand banquet hall doors, feeling uncertain. She texted the client again.

The reply came immediately: [That's the place.]

A server pushed the doors open, gesturing for Claire to step inside.

Inside, the brilliant light from the crystal chandeliers illuminated the faces of the elite men and women mingling across the floor. A massive banner hung across the hall—Zimmerman Group Silver Jubilee Gala.

Every guest in attendance was a high-profile figure dressed to the nines. Claire, standing there in jeans and a simple blouse, felt like an absolute clown.

Curious and probing gazes immediately zeroed in on her.

Across the crowded room, her eyes instantly locked onto Miles. The man's deep gaze registered surprise at seeing her, but he quickly masked it and began walking toward her.

And standing right next to Miles was Jefferson.

This was the Zimmerman corporate gala. It wasn't a client meeting at all.

Claire immediately realized she had been played.

She refused to embarrass Miles in a setting like this. She offered an apologetic smile to the crowd. "My apologies. Wrong room."

She turned around, ready to bolt from the impending disaster.

But a hand clamped down viciously onto her wrist. It was Yvonne. Her grip was like a vice as she violently yanked Claire straight into the center of the banquet hall, her tone dripping with mockery.

"Ms. Jenner, you're already here. Why in such a rush to leave?"

"Let her go." Miles shot Yvonne an icy glare, forcing her to release her grip.

He stepped up to Claire's side, his eyes lingering on her red, bruised wrist for a few extra seconds.

Watching the two of them stand shoulder-to-shoulder, a flash of smugness swept through Jefferson's eyes.

Following him here and blatantly showing off her intimacy with Miles—she was just doing it to make him jealous, wasn't she? Claire, your little tricks are as pathetic as ever.

Catching sight of Claire, Alistair walked over with a wide smile.

"Claire! You made it." He glared at Miles. "He told me you were too busy. Nonsense."

Claire frowned deeply, instinctively glancing toward Jefferson as her heart sank.

Miles didn't miss the subtle shift in her expression, nor the exact direction her eyes had darted...

Miles intervened, his voice dropping to a freezing temperature. "Yvonne. Tonight is the Zimmerman Group Gala. Stop making a scene."

Yvonne blatantly ignored his warning.

She pulled out her phone and displayed the photos she had secretly taken at the resort.

"Claire is sleeping with Miles."

Then, she strutted over to Jefferson, her voice turning even sharper.

"And this man is not only my former fiancé, but also Claire's boyfriend of ten years. Ten whole years."

Yvonne let out a cold laugh and turned her sights back to Miles.

"Miles, you must have been completely kept in the dark, haven't you?"