The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 249

Alistair Zimmerman's furious reprimands echoed faintly from the other end of the line. Yvonne raised an eyebrow at Claire, her expression smug and victorious.

The moment she hung up, Claire's own phone began to vibrate.

She hit answer, and Alistair's authoritative voice instantly crashed over her.

"Claire, the power of the Zimmerman family is not for you to parade around and show off!"

"Come back to the manor immediately. Stop embarrassing Miles in public."

Claire refused. "I have business at the company later."

"Business at the company?" Alistair sneered. "You call cleaning up OCHH Luxury's mess business? If you don't come back right now, I'll send someone to drag you here!"

The call ended abruptly, the dial tone blaring in Claire's ear.

"Claire, are you okay?" Chloe asked, looking worried. "I'll go with you and help take some of the heat."

"It's fine, it's just a trip to the manor. Take a few of the pieces I just bought and give them to your mom for me. Wish her a happy birthday."

Chloe nodded. "Call me immediately if anything happens. I'll come pick you up."

Claire instructed the staff to package the jewelry and deliver it to Grandview Heights, then turned and walked away.

Yvonne stood at the entrance, crossing her arms, deliberately raising her voice.

"Why bother? Acting like a big shot with someone else's money, only to get dragged back for a scolding."

Sienna gloated. "Claire, you're nothing but a plaything Mr. Zimmerman married on a whim. Do you actually think you're the lady of the house? How pathetic."

Claire paused mid-step, her tone flat.

"Sienna, I see you've forgotten the pain the moment your scars healed. You clearly don't remember the warning Miles gave you, do you? I wouldn't mind whispering a few complaints in his ear tonight."

Sienna gritted her teeth, her face draining of color, terrified to make another sound.

Being blacklisted in Empire City had been an absolute nightmare. She had lost her benefactor and her jobs, unable to secure anything. If she hadn't latched onto Yvonne, she wouldn't even be able to afford a meal right now.

Claire stood rooted to the spot. With immense difficulty, she turned to Yvonne, her voice strained. "I'm sorry."

Yvonne lazily poured a cup of scalding tea. "Claire, that apology lacked sincerity."

"Here. Pick up this tea and serve it to me."

The teacup radiated heat, steaming like a serpent.

Alistair narrowed his eyes and let out a light cough. He knew Yvonne was crossing a line, but he made no move to stop her.

"Claire, since you married into the Zimmerman family, you need to understand one rule: even a dragon must coil, and a tiger must bow."

"If you're willing to convince Miles to return and take over the family business, you won't have to serve this tea, and I'll resolve your issues with OCHH."

Claire shot Alistair a cold glance. Without a word, she walked straight toward the teacup.

She reached out, her pale fingers inches away from the scalding porcelain.