The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 187

"Honestly, arguing over whether you're 'allowed' to like him is completely pointless. The real issue is that he probably wouldn't look twice at you anyway."

Julian's fiancée was Hailey Preston. While Jocelyn had never met her, she assumed she was an elegant, sophisticated woman. There was no way a man like Julian would fall for a spoiled brat like Claire.

Claire turned purple with rage.

Even Adrian took offense. "Claire is the jewel of the Lowell family! She is my sister. Who the hell does Julian Vance think he is to look down on her? His company is a joke compared to our group. Sure, he's having a good run right now, but he could vanish from the industry tomorrow. He'd be lucky to marry into our family!"

Jocelyn nodded sarcastically. "Oh, absolutely. You're completely right. He's way beneath you."

"He's way beneath your entire psychotic family! You narcissistic moron!"

Claire, completely missing the sarcasm, thought Adrian had just given his blessing. She beamed. "Adrian! Thank you!"

"I was speaking hypothetically! I wasn't giving you my blessing!" Adrian snapped. "Read my lips, Claire: I forbid you from seeing Julian Vance. Drop it. Now."

Furious, Claire shoved her chair back, spun around, and stormed out of the restaurant.

The birthday girl had just abandoned her own party, leaving a table full of stunned guests behind.

Yet, no one scolded her for her terrible manners. Eleanor simply laughed warmly. "Oh, that girl. We've just spoiled her rotten. Let her cool off. Let's just treat tonight as a family gathering and enjoy ourselves."

The rest of the table eagerly agreed, returning to their meals and conversation.

Jocelyn shook her head in disbelief. If she ever had a daughter who acted like that, she'd slap herself first for failing as a parent, and then she'd ground the kid until the end of time.

With Claire gone, the dinner proceeded normally. People chatted and laughed, enjoying the luxurious food.

Before Jocelyn could even speak, Eleanor chimed in. "Adrian, you and Audrey need to go to the hospital to check on the baby."

Jocelyn didn't say a word and walked out.

Halfway home, she realized she had left something behind. The necklace she had asked the restaurant to hold for her previously was still there. Knowing the restaurant belonged to Julian and Liam, she hadn't been in a rush to grab it, but she figured she might as well get it now.

She made a U-turn and drove back to Aurelia.

When she pulled back into the parking garage and got out of her car, she noticed a familiar limited-edition SUV parked diagonally across from her.

It was Adrian's car.