The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 204

Victor's lips curled into a subtle smirk as he shot back, "Dad, the rules were established by our ancestors. You can't be the one to break them."

Even the patriarch struggled to find a response, leaving the rest of the family terrified to intervene.

Miles set down his glass, his voice slightly raspy from downing so much hard liquor. "Fine."

He added one condition. "I will stand vigil for two days and nights, but after today, when my wife steps into this house, no one is allowed to give her a hard time or show her any disrespect."

He turned and began walking toward the Ancestral Hall.

Suddenly, a slightly hoarse, feminine voice rang out from the doorway.

"Who's standing vigil?"

Every head in the room whipped toward the entrance.

Claire stood there in a light blue silk gown. The intricate lotus flowers embroidered on the fabric seemed to sway with life under the glowing lights.

The dress hugged her slender waist, and the modest slit stopped just at her knees, revealing flashes of flawless legs with every graceful step.

The massive living room fell dead silent for several agonizing seconds.

Before she arrived, everyone had heard the rumors stemming from the Zimmerman Group Silver Jubilee Gala. They had painted her as a manipulative, promiscuous woman who relied on underhanded tactics.

But the woman standing before them looked like an ethereal goddess stepping out of a painting. She didn't match those ugly descriptors at all.

The rumors had to be completely false!

Claire walked forward and stopped right beside Miles.

"I'm sorry I'm late."

He stared at her, a flicker of sheer astonishment flashing through his eyes as he let her hold his hand.

Her voice was clear and poised as she addressed the room.

"My car got into a minor fender bender on the way here. It delayed me, and I apologize for making everyone wait."

A fender bender?

Miles's gaze instantly sharpened, scanning her from head to toe.

Yvonne slammed her hands on the table and shot up. "Claire, you did that on purpose!"

Claire threw her an icy look, lacing her words with a provocative edge. "Yvonne, you're being far too loud. You're scaring me."

"Claire, stop playing the—"

Victor snapped, "Yvonne, shut your mouth!"

He forced a tight smile. "Claire, if you're feeling so fragile, you really shouldn't be moving around so much."

"Thank you for your concern, Victor," Claire replied, her tone dripping with sweetness as she leaned against Miles.

"Honey, could you help me over there?"

Miles supported her, but his pupils suddenly constricted as he noticed something was terribly wrong.

Her palm was slick with sweat, and a fine layer of perspiration dotted her forehead.

She was in agonizing pain, and she was barely holding it together.