The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 227

Same design major, same love for elegant tailored dresses.

The reasons why he chose her as a substitute were painfully obvious now. Everything left a trail of clues.

Claire pressed her lips together, unable to untangle the bitter knot in her chest.

She had known she was a stand-in when she first approached Miles. She used to think it didn't matter, even considering it a convenient advantage for her goals.

But now, with the original article standing right in front of her, she found it impossible to remain completely indifferent.

She extended her hand out of politeness.

"Hello. I'm Claire Jenner. Nati."

Lauren shook her hand but didn't let go. Instead, she lifted Claire's right hand, her eyes locking onto the blue diamond ring.

She stared at it for a long time before flashing a forced, easy smile.

"So this ring ended up with you."

Claire quickly pulled her hand back, instinctively curling her fingers and rubbing her thumb heavily against the stone.

"Miles won that at an auction in a South African museum six years ago. Pure blue, symbolizing an eternal, selfless, and undying love."

Lauren lowered her eyes, letting a heavy silence settle.

"Claire, this ring suits you perfectly."

Claire didn't say a word.

In that moment, she felt like a thief who had stolen someone else's life.

"Lauren, don't leave just yet. Stay for dinner. I'll have Miles come home," Alistair insisted.

He shot a sideways glance at Claire and added another command.

"While you're at it, help me talk some sense into him. See if you can get him to take over the Zimmerman Group."

He picked up his teacup and drawled out a lazy order.

"Claire, go entertain our guest. Cut some fruit and brew a pot of tea."

Telling his legally wedded wife to serve tea and act as a waitress for a guest.

This wasn't hospitality.

It was public humiliation. He was putting her in her place, making it explicitly clear to her.

"As for a divorce," Claire shifted her gaze toward Lauren, "that is strictly between me and Miles."

"How we end it, or when we end it, is no one else's business."

With that, she didn't waste another second and turned on her heel to leave.

"Stop right there!"

Alistair exploded with rage, slamming his hand violently onto the mahogany table.

"Alistair, please don't be angry. Claire has things to do, let her go. Would you like some fruit? I'll cut it for you. And I can brew the tea too, I actually learned how recently..." Lauren grabbed his arm, trying desperately to pacify him.

Fuming, Alistair threw his teacup furiously against the coffee table.

"Claire Jenner! Is this how you speak to your elders? You have absolutely no respect or manners!"

She didn't stop, entirely unwilling to argue. Just as she reached the entrance of the living room, a tall, broad-shouldered figure appeared, silhouetted against the light.

Miles's voice was frighteningly cold.

"She is my wife, not a servant."