The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 31

Miles Zimmerman stepped out from the backstage area at a leisurely pace, his perfectly tailored suit accentuating his tall, commanding physique.

Walking beside him was Alistair Zimmerman, whose hair was white but whose demeanor was incredibly sharp and vigorous.

Meeting Miles's gaze, Claire Jenner immediately let go of the micro-camera hidden in her bag.

She lowered her eyes, her eyelashes fluttering as a hint of redness rimmed her vision, playing the part of a fragile woman desperately trying to hold it together.

Claire didn't say a word; she simply stood there, looking up at him.

She was waiting for him to make a move, using the moment to reel him in.

Making him feel protective of her was the crucial step in winning him over.

The man approached, casually taking the ring box from Daisy Dalton's hand, snapping it shut, and unhurriedly placing it back into Yvonne Zimmerman's palm.

"I was passing by the backstage area and saw the diamond ring. Knowing it was valuable, I put it away for safekeeping. I didn't realize that bag belonged to Ms. Jenner. It's just a misunderstanding."

His tone was smooth but left no room for argument.

Daisy grew frantic.

She had gone to so much trouble to set this trap for Claire, only for Miles to dismantle it with a few casual words?

She couldn't accept it.

Daisy raised her voice. "Mr. Zimmerman, Yvonne is your own niece! There's no need for you to take the side of an outsider!"

Yvonne's face paled as she immediately yanked on Daisy's sleeve, silently begging her to shut up.

"The ring was found right in her bag! You don't have to cover for her!"

Miles's voice remained cold and perfectly level. "You said it yourself. Yvonne is my niece. So why would I favor an outsider?"

Daisy was left utterly speechless.

Beatrice Sterling immediately stepped forward with a beaming smile. "Mr. Zimmerman, Yvonne is gentle and elegant. If anything, she's the one who will be keeping our Jefferson in line."

Alistair nodded, his gaze drifting downward to rest on the scarf draped around Beatrice's neck.

"Young lady, is this your handiwork?"

Claire paused, entirely caught off guard that Alistair would notice such a detail, but she quickly nodded.

"Double-sided Artisanal Silk Embroidery. I haven't seen craftsmanship this authentic in years." Alistair glanced over his shoulder at his butler. "Lawrence, take down this talented artisan's contact information. I have a few antique paintings in my study that could use a proper silk backing."

As soon as those words left his mouth, the crowd stared at Claire in sheer disbelief.

Alistair Zimmerman was notorious for his impossibly high standards. For him to personally praise a handcrafted item and specifically request her contact information was the equivalent of handing her a gold-plated endorsement!

Deeply flattered, Claire kept her tone fiercely respectful. "Luna Atelier will do our absolute best."