The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 183

Susan looked confused. "I haven't seen Dr. Zimmerman in a while. Is he busy?"

Claire's grip on the luggage tightened. "He has a lot of patients. I'm sure he's swamped."

"Well, don't forget to invite him over for dinner sometime. I'll cook for him myself," Susan instructed. "Without him, I wouldn't even be alive today."

"Claire, he's done so much for us. We can't be ungrateful."

Claire managed a stiff nod.

She had already become the ungrateful one a long time ago.

After getting her mother settled, Claire headed straight to Luna Atelier. The blowout at the Zimmerman Group's anniversary gala was the talk of the town. Although Miles had laid down the law to silence the public gossip, the fallout was still taking a heavy toll on her boutique's orders.

"Claire, we got eight cancellations yesterday, and we already cut the fabrics," Betty Wade reported anxiously.

"Just process the refunds." Claire didn't want to fight over cancellation fees; it would only make things uglier.

The boutique's front door chimed, signaling a customer.

Claire stood up to greet them, only to freeze when she saw Mrs. Sterling walking in arm-in-arm with Yvonne Zimmerman.

Yvonne clung to the older woman, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "What's with that look, Designer Jenner? Mrs. Sterling is here to shop for some outfits."

Betty marched forward, ready to kick them out.

But Claire blocked her path, shaking her head. The two of them showing up now was obviously a calculated move to cause trouble.

Forcing a polite smile, she said, "Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Mrs. Sterling. Which fabric catches your eye?"

Mrs. Sterling pointed casually at a display. "That one. Bring it over for me to try."

Claire carefully took the gown off the rack. "Ma'am, please change into these fitting shoes before trying it on."

The older woman shot her a disdainful glare. "I want you on the floor, putting them on my feet." Beside her, Yvonne smirked.

Claire immediately set the dress aside. "If you refuse to try it on properly, Luna Atelier won't force you."

She tossed the garment to Betty. "Box it up for her. That'll be thirty-six thousand dollars. Cash or card?"

"You—" Mrs. Sterling choked, her refined facade crumbling to pieces.

"You shameless homewrecker! You latch onto my son and refuse to let go. I came here today to tell you that you'll never set foot inside the Sterling household!"

Claire stared back blankly, finding the whole tirade almost laughable.

"It's actually so easy to ruin her. We just hire someone to push yesterday's headlines, leak her boutique's location, and post her home address for the paparazzi. Let's see how long she survives that kind of hell."

Mrs. Sterling nodded eagerly. "Yes, Yvonne, you're brilliant. That's a flawless plan."

Victor Zimmerman had been furious when her engagement was called off. He had grounded her and completely cut off her allowance.

She had no choice but to use someone else as her weapon.

And Mrs. Sterling was the perfect, gullible blade.

"It's too hot out here. Let's talk in the car," Yvonne coaxed sweetly.

Acting the part of the perfect companion, she pulled open the door of the Mercedes, and the two slid into the backseat.

The chauffeur started the engine, casually checking his rearview mirror—and instantly broke into a cold sweat.

Before anyone could even process what was happening—

Smash!

A deafening crash echoed through the street.