The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 199

Claire pouted.

"Why do you keep calling me 'Ms. Lowell'? Can't you just call me Claire?"

"We aren't close enough for that," Julian replied flatly.

Claire decided to let it slide. "Why didn't you come to my birthday dinner? You practically promised! How could you just go back on your word?"

"I said I would try; I never gave you a guarantee. Moreover, I've been incredibly busy lately. I simply didn't have the time."

Claire looked disappointed for a fraction of a second before brightening up again. "That's okay! The past is the past. I'm just so happy you agreed to see me today."

Julian's expression remained entirely detached. "The only reason I agreed to see you was to make my position completely clear. I believed I had been perfectly clear before, but it seems you refused to listen."

He picked up his teacup and took a slow, elegant sip, every movement exuding a quiet, magnetic authority.

Claire stared at him, utterly captivated.

"So, I am going to say this to you one last time," Julian continued calmly. "And I highly suggest you listen to me."

"I already know what you're going to say, and I don't care!" Claire interrupted defensively. "I like you. I want to be with you. That's my decision, and no one is going to talk me out of it."

Julian looked up, his dark eyes locking onto hers.

"Your behavior is severely impacting both my personal reputation and my company's operations. If you refuse to drop this, I will no longer extend you the courtesy I have shown so far."

Claire let the warning go in one ear and out the other. She leaned closer, gazing at him with starry-eyed obsession.

"You are the most incredible man I've ever met. The second I saw you, it was love at first sight."

Julian frowned deeply. "Ms. Lowell, please back up."

Claire completely ignored him, unable to control herself. She stood up and physically moved into his personal space. "I'm a catch, Julian. Just give me a real chance!"

Julian immediately stood up and stepped back, putting the table between them. "If you don't step back right now, I'm calling security."

Defeated, Claire slumped back into her chair.

"I don't have the time or the patience to listen to you gossip about your family drama. I have work to do. You know where the door is."

He had just explicitly kicked her out.

Claire was stunned. "You're kicking me out already?!"

Julian pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed the front desk.

"Come escort Ms. Lowell out."

A few seconds later, the receptionist hurried back into the room.

Claire was completely lost. "Why are you suddenly so mad? Did I say something wrong?"

Before Julian could answer, his cell phone rang.

The caller ID flashed on the screen: Jocelyn.