The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 30

Claire paused, meticulously smoothing out every inch of the scarf around Mrs. Sterling's neck.

"He is entirely in my past. Whatever happened between us, I will take it to my grave."

"But please, do me a favor and remind him to stay away from me. Also, tell Sterling Holdings to release my studio's contract."

Mrs. Sterling let out a harsh laugh. "A dirty little secret thinks she can negotiate with me?"

"And did you just say Jefferson is bothering you? Claire, you are utterly delusional!"

Claire took a half-step back, entirely ignoring her insults.

"All done. Your daughter-in-law has excellent taste; the scarf looks wonderful on you."

For seven years, she had bent over backward trying to win this woman's approval for Jefferson's sake, receiving nothing but cold stares and endless humiliation.

Standing up for herself now felt absolutely incredible.

Her eyes curved into a sweet smile, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I've stated my terms. Whether you agree to them, and how you choose to help me, is entirely up to you, Mrs. Sterling."

Suddenly, a piercing scream ripped through the banquet hall.

Daisy looked completely frantic. "The rings! The engagement rings are gone!"

"I just brought them out of the safe in the back room and set them on the table. I looked away to touch up my makeup for one second, and they vanished!"

Yvonne's perfectly powdered face instantly drained of color.

"Daisy, you... how could you be so careless? Jefferson had those custom-made!"

"I'm so sorry, Yvonne, I have no idea what happened..." Daisy stomped her feet, her voice breaking into a sob.

"It was her!"

Daisy pointed a shaking finger straight at Claire.

"You were the only person who went toward the back room! Yvonne tried to merge your studio into the design department, and you refused! You stole the rings out of spite!"

Instantly, the judging stares of the entire room snapped onto Claire like daggers.

"I didn't take them," Claire said smoothly, her voice completely unbothered.

Daisy shrieked, "Just because you say you didn't doesn't make it true! Let us search your bag if you're so innocent!"

Standing nearby, Jefferson's lips curled into a smirk, and he did nothing to stop the chaos.

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