The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 222

Claire looked at them, completely lost. "Jared, what's wrong with Miles?"

Jared's expression was grim. "Miles has severe hydrophobia."

Finn completely lost it. "You told me you weren't coming to my party! If you had just told me you wanted to show up, I would never have booked this stupid island in the middle of a lake!"

"Do you have any idea how bad your phobia is? The last time you were on the water, you almost went into shock and passed out! You practically shaved ten years off my life!"

Miles scowled, shooting Finn a lethal glare to shut him up. "I'm fine."

"Yeah, until you're not! Are you feeling nauseous? I'm calling a doctor right now."

Miles shook his head coldly, though his complexion remained noticeably pale.

Claire bit her lower lip, her fingers curling tightly by her sides.

No wonder he had gripped her hand like a vice on the speedboat. No wonder he had been so eerily silent the entire ride.

He was terrified of the water, and it was that severe.

Her voice came out tight and raspy. "Miles, I..."

"You wanted to come, so we came."

Miles cut her off effortlessly, pivoting the conversation away from himself to let the party resume.

At a nearby VIP table, several female guests were openly staring at Claire.

They were a mix of minor actresses and fashion models. Through their connections with Finn, they had crossed paths with Miles a few times.

But this was the first time they had ever seen a woman standing next to him.

"Did he actually get married?"

"No way. There was no official announcement. It's just a rumor."

"Look at their hands. They're wearing matching wedding bands. It has to be real."

...

They whispered furiously among themselves, their faces twisted with disbelief and envy.

Claire was standing near the champagne tower, discussing the viability of OCHH Luxury's revival strategy with Finn.

She shifted her weight uncomfortably to her left leg. Her high heels were digging viciously into her right ankle, sending sharp spikes of pain up her calf, but she tried to hide it.

"Offend whoever you want tonight, but do not cross her. She is Miles Zimmerman's absolute world. I expect everyone to keep their mouths shut and be on their best behavior tonight."

The women who had been gossiping relentlessly just moments ago exchanged terrified glances, instantly falling dead silent.

After finishing her conversation with Finn, Claire excused herself to the restroom.

She had just turned off the faucet when she heard a chorus of venomous, sarcastic voices drifting in from the powder room lounge.

"Is that Claire girl even that pretty? Honestly, I think she looks totally average."

"Right? She comes from nowhere. She has zero background. How did someone like Miles end up marrying her?"

"Did you guys see the hickeys all over her collarbone? She's probably just a freak in bed."

"She just got incredibly lucky. Give any of us a chance, and we could keep him just as satisfied. I mean, with a guy built like him, it wouldn't even be hard. Hahaha!"

...

The mocking laughter was shrill, the insults growing increasingly vulgar and unhinged.

Claire slammed the restroom door open and stepped out to face them.