The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 119

Claire gazed down at the texts, a victorious smirk spreading across her face.

She quickly typed back.

[Don't do anything rash. How is she harassing you?]

[She touched me.]

Claire burst out laughing. She could vividly picture Miles's stony, furious scowl as he forcefully endured Vivian's presence.

Tapping her screen, she replied.

[Hold tight. I'm on my way to rescue you.]

Setting her phone aside, she flashed Julian an apologetic smile.

"I'm so sorry, Julian, but there's an emergency at the hospital. I have to run."

Julian nodded, the light in his eyes dimming. He forced a genial smile. "Did Dr. Zimmerman call you?"

Claire nodded firmly. "This meal is on me!"

"Claire!" Julian suddenly stood up, calling out to her.

The warm amber lighting made his gaze look exceptionally tender. Stripping away his casual demeanor, he spoke with raw sincerity.

"There's actually something I've wanted to tell you for a long time."

Pausing to gather his courage, his voice turned clear and resolute. "I have feelings for you. I've liked you ever since the first day we met in college, since the days you mentored me at OCHH Luxury."

The sudden confession caught Claire off guard.

Looking into his painfully earnest eyes, a wave of complex emotion washed over her. Julian was a great guy—sunny, gentle, and completely on her wavelength. But...

"Julian, I'm sorry. I'm already pursuing someone else."

Claire was brutally, unapologetically honest.

Julian stiffened. "Is it Miles?"

She nodded.

Smiling bitterly, he asked in a whisper, "Do you really love him that much?"

Claire froze.

She had never actually stopped to consider that question.

Miles stood there, his voice an icy drawl. "Claire, come inside. We need to discuss the postoperative details of your mother's surgery."

"Dr. Langford, I have work to do."

"Miles, I..."

Before Vivian could finish her sentence, Miles yanked Claire into the office under the guise of an official consultation.

Slam!

He shut the door firmly behind them.

Claire made herself comfortable, taking the seat across from his desk as if she owned the place.

The man glanced up at her, his voice devoid of any readable emotion. "You made it back fast."

Nibbling softly on her straw, she fluttered her eyelashes. "You were being harassed, Doctor. How could I not rush?"

"If I took my time and someone called the cops, our little show would be ruined, wouldn't it?"

Her little manipulative games. Hmph...

Refusing to take the bait, Miles changed the subject. "Did you enjoy your dinner with Julian?"