The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 92

By the poolside, a group of wealthy socialites led by the Vanderbilt heir had gathered.

Someone threw out a twisted challenge: all the men's dates had to jump into the pool to test their endurance. The last woman to climb out would win her partner a guaranteed recommendation for the next round of elite investments.

Most of the women dragged to the edge were either daughters of minor Empire City businessmen with no real power, or desperate models trying to climb the social ladder.

They looked terrified, but no one dared to refuse.

"Claire!"

Nathan sidled up behind her, his hand pressing against her bare back as he shoved her toward the water.

"Get in there and make me look good!"

Claire dug her heels in, keeping her voice dangerously low. "Don't push it, Nathan."

"Push it? Have you already forgotten the threats your father made?"

It was late, and the pool water radiated a biting chill. She was wearing a thin, strapless evening gown, completely exposed to the mocking stares of the crowd.

"Come on, Nathan, you're really throwing a stunner like her into the freezing water?"

"She's got incredible curves. I bet she'll look amazing soaked..."

"You really don't know how to treat a lady, man. It's almost a shame."

A short distance away, Jefferson Sterling watched the spectacle with cold indifference. Yvonne Zimmerman leaned against him, a wicked smirk playing on her lips as she offered fake sympathy.

"Jefferson, shouldn't we stop them? This is getting a bit out of hand."

"Let it happen," Jefferson sneered. "She needs to learn her lesson. I want to see exactly how long she can hold out!"

He wanted her to pay for every ounce of humiliation she had caused him.

Claire squeezed her eyes shut. Hiking up her heavy gown, she stepped down into the freezing pool.

The biting cold swallowed her instantly, soaking through the delicate purple fabric in seconds.

The material clung tightly to her skin, putting her silhouette on full, humiliating display.

Ugly, leering laughter echoed from the deck.

Other women reluctantly waded in. Gasps and whimpers filled the air, and several quickly scrambled out, unable to handle the freezing temperatures.

Nathan squatted by the edge, scooping up a handful of water and splashing it right into Claire's face.

"Look at you go! Keep it up!"

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