The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 198

Claire practically vibrated with excitement.

"Are you serious?! He really wants to see me? I knew my dedication would win him over!"

The security guard didn't have the heart to burst her bubble. "Right this way to the elevators, Ms. Lowell."

The elevator glided smoothly to the nineteenth floor.

The receptionist, already tipped off, walked over to meet her. "Ms. Lowell, Mr. Vance is waiting for you in the conference room."

"Take me to him right now!" Claire demanded eagerly.

"Right this way, please."

They walked down the sleek corridor to a glass-walled conference room.

The receptionist raised a hand and knocked gently.

A deep, magnetic voice answered from inside. "Come in."

Before the receptionist could even push the door fully open, Claire shoved past her and marched inside.

"Julian!"

Julian gave the receptionist a subtle nod, signaling her to leave.

The young woman secretly rolled her eyes at Claire's back before retreating. The entire office already knew this rich, entitled girl was completely obsessed with their boss and was practically stalking him.

Everyone had assumed a girl from the legendary Lowell family would be sophisticated.

Instead, she acted like a spoiled brat with zero manners.

The receptionist scoffed quietly to herself as she walked away. "As if someone like her could ever be good enough for Mr. Vance."

Inside the conference room, Julian wasn't alone.

Sarah was standing beside the table, having just gotten Julian to sign off on some documents.

Seeing Claire, Sarah's lips curled into a mocking smirk. "Well, well. Hello there, Ms. Lowell. Never expected to see you in our offices."

"Sarah, tell your team I need them to work overtime tonight. Dinner is on me."

Sarah's eyes immediately lit up. "You got it! I'll go tell them right now!"

An offer of free dinner from Julian Vance was all the motivation the team needed. He never cheaped out on food—it was always top-tier catering.

Compared to her old boss, who squeezed every penny out of his staff, Julian was a godsend. Once you actually worked with him, you quickly realized he wasn't just a tech genius; he was a genuinely incredible leader. It was no wonder no one ever quit Vanguard.

As Sarah walked past Claire, she couldn't resist one last jab. "Good luck with your little crusade, Ms. Lowell!"

Claire ground her teeth in fury.

Julian tapped the chair to his right. "Have a seat, Ms. Lowell."

Claire instantly forgot her anger, practically skipping over to the chair. She immediately shifted into a pouty, whining tone.

"Julian, I've been waiting for days! Why did it take you so long to finally see me?"

"I never asked you to wait, Ms. Lowell," Julian replied coldly.