The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 138

His birthday was the anniversary of his mother's death.

No one would ever want to celebrate a birthday like that.

A suffocating ache clamped down on Claire's chest.

"My girl, you are the first person Miles has ever been willing to bring home. I know he trusts you deeply."

Mr. Zimmerman's voice unconsciously rose a notch.

"Claire, as long as you can get him to come home for his birthday, you'll never have to worry about the future of Luna Atelier. Whatever you want, it's yours."

Claire replied distractedly, "Alright, Mr. Zimmerman. I understand."

The call disconnected. The night wind felt suddenly sharper. Claire turned and left the balcony.

She didn't notice that the balcony door of 501 was wide open.

Miles stood in the shadows of 501's balcony, a cigarette pinched between his fingers. The glowing ember danced faintly in the dark.

The entire conversation from next door had drifted perfectly into his ears.

As long as you can get him to come home, whatever you want, it's yours. — Alright, I understand.

Claire Jenner, how could your voice sound so crisp and decisive?

Even after learning the agonizing truth about why he hated his birthday, she still agreed without a second of hesitation.

For money. For resources. For whatever she wanted.

She just wanted things. She didn't want him.

A mocking, bitter smile pulled at the corners of his mouth.

Miles Zimmerman, what the hell were you expecting?

His phone chimed with a message notification. He opened it. Exactly as expected, it was from Claire.

[I'm so sorry for being so sudden today, Dr. Zimmerman. Let me take you out to dinner tomorrow to make up for it. Pretty please?]

"I have surgery tomorrow too."

Miles rejected her instantly, his voice dripping with freezing detachment.

The day after tomorrow was his birthday, her deadline to complete the old man's mission. She must be getting desperate.

"Dr. Zimmerman, wait up, just drop me off at the subway station."

He stopped walking, turned around, and looked at her. His eyes were like a bottomless pool, eerily calm. "I apologize, Ms. Jenner. It's out of my way."

Out of his way? Ms. Jenner?

He had never called her that before.

Was he still this upset because she mentioned his birthday?

His cold, distant demeanor made it seem like he was treating a stranger. No, like an enemy.

Claire lowered her head, a heavy weight settling in her chest. What was wrong with this infuriating man now?