The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 200

Julian walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window and answered the call.

Jocelyn's voice came through the speaker, still raspy and exhausted. "Julian, are you busy? Are you at the office?"

"I'm fine. Yes, I'm here."

"I'm downstairs in your lobby. I wanted to come up and see you, but I wasn't sure if it was a good time."

"It's perfectly fine. I'll come down and get you."

"You don't have to do that. Just let security know I'm allowed up."

"Stay there. I'm coming."

He turned around, only to realize Claire had silently crept up right behind him.

"Who are you going to get?"

Julian frowned in disgust. "Has anyone ever told you that eavesdropping on someone's private phone call is incredibly rude?"

Claire didn't care. "I just want to know who you're talking to! Your voice was way softer with them than it is with me. Was it your fiancée?"

Julian shot the receptionist a sharp look.

She immediately understood. "Ms. Lowell, our CEO has an urgent meeting in five minutes. Please come with me."

Claire stomped her foot, ignoring the receptionist, and practically threw herself in front of Julian. "Fine, I'll go! But you have to tell me when I can see you again!"

Julian had entirely lost his patience.

"I have made myself exceptionally clear, Ms. Lowell. I suggest you quit while you're ahead. If you ever show your face in this building again, I promise you I will not care that you're a woman. I will have you thrown out."

With that, he walked out of the conference room without a backward glance.

Claire stood there, consumed by a toxic mix of heartbreak and rage. She had spent days begging for a meeting, and he had thrown her out after barely five minutes.

She turned her furious glare on the receptionist. "Is he always this much of a cold-hearted bastard?!"

The receptionist answered honestly, "Not at all. Mr. Vance is incredibly kind and approachable. He's great to all of us."

"Then why does he treat me like garbage?!" Claire shrieked.

"She's been spoiled her entire life. She honestly believes she's entitled to anything and anyone she wants."

As the elevator ascended, Julian's hand remained firmly wrapped around hers.

It took Jocelyn a moment to realize what was happening. Feeling a sudden flush of awkwardness, she gently pulled her hand free.

Julian realized his misstep and immediately apologized. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to get you out of sight quickly. I didn't want her seeing you here and causing more problems for you."

Jocelyn let out a heavy breath. "The fact that I even walked into your building today means I don't care about the optics anymore. Julian..."

"Yeah?"

"I came here because there's something I need to ask you. I want your advice."

"Alright. We'll go to my office and take our time."

They reached the executive floor.

As they walked down the hall, Julian asked, "Do you want to say hi to Sarah first? The tech department is just down that hall to the right."