The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 273

"Claire just happened to be in the area, so I told her to come join us for lunch. You two don't mind, do you?"

Neither of them said a word; they just offered tight smiles.

Did it matter if they minded? He had already invited her without asking.

Claire hadn't originally wanted to come, but the second she heard Jocelyn was there, she rushed over as fast as she could.

Jocelyn had already mentally prepared herself for Claire to twist the story about what happened in the park last night and tattle to Adrian.

But to her surprise, Claire deliberately avoided mentioning Julian Vance.

"Last night you were sneaking around a dark garden with another man, and today you're here flirting with Mr. Bancroft. You really have no shame, Jocelyn!"

Jocelyn had absolutely no intention of entertaining her.

Hearing this, Adrian frowned deeply.

"Claire, what are you talking about? Sneaking around a garden? What does that mean?"

Claire pointed a shaking finger right at Jocelyn's face.

"Adrian, Audrey, why are you even sitting at the same table with this slut? You have no idea how disgusting she is!"

Audrey was secretly thrilled to hear the word 'slut'.

But Adrian's face hardened into a severe glare.

"Claire, watch your mouth and remember where you are! Furthermore, she is your sister-in-law. Show some respect!"

"What sister-in-law? You're already divorced!"

"Until the final divorce papers are processed, she is still your sister-in-law. I suggest you show some basic manners!"

The words made Jocelyn's skin crawl.

It seemed she needed to get those final divorce papers expedited.

"Adrian!" Claire's face turned beet red with rage. "You don't even know what a tramp this woman is! Even while she was with you, she was already sleeping around with other men!"

Liam's teasing smile completely vanished.

"Ms. Lowell, for someone born into a prestigious family, you certainly have a trashy way of speaking. Did the Lowells not teach you a single thing about basic decency and manners?"

The words were harsh.

But they hit the mark perfectly.

Adrian's expression shifted violently.

His sister was entirely out of line, but Liam's insult was brutal. For a second, he didn't even know who to yell at first.

"Which other guy?" Adrian demanded.

Claire grit her teeth. "I don't know! I didn't recognize him!"

Liam abruptly stood up from the table.

"Mr. Lowell, I think we've lost our appetite for this meal. Please, enjoy yourselves. Jo and I are going to head out."

Before Adrian could even open his mouth to protest, Liam grabbed Jocelyn's hand and whisked her out of the room.

Suddenly, Adrian felt his stomach tie in knots.

He had only used this lunch as an excuse to spend a little more time with Jocelyn.

He knew perfectly well that after yesterday's fallout, it would be almost impossible to ever get her to meet him alone again.

With this disaster of a scene and Jocelyn walking out, an empty, hollow feeling washed over Adrian's chest.

Audrey opened her mouth to speak, but he immediately cut her off.

"Claire, you're not a child anymore. It's time we start seriously looking at getting you married off."

Marrying her off would at least get her out of his hair.