The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 161

Claire pocketed her phone and stood up.

Beside her, Julian's voice was urgent. "Claire, where are you going?"

"I'm just going to... the restroom," she lied, steadying her nerves as she navigated through the crowd toward the stairs.

Behind her, Yvonne’s piercing gaze tracked her every move.

Claire headed straight for the VIP suite on the second floor and pushed the door open.

A faint scent of sandalwood filled the room. Miles sat in a mahogany chair by the window, one arm draped casually over the armrest while his other hand slowly thumbed the Blessed Guardian Rosary.

He didn't look up. His jawline was taut, his expression a mask of icy indifference.

Mr. Whittaker sat across from him. Seeing Claire, he sprang to his feet as if she were his savior.

"Ms. Jenner is here! Please, take a seat," Whittaker said, already backing toward the exit. "The auction isn't over yet. I'll head down and take a look. You two talk."

He slipped out immediately, pulling the door firmly shut behind him.

Claire was about to take the empty seat across from him when his voice stopped her.

He raised his eyes. His tone was measured but radiated an undeniable authority. "Come here. Stand next to me."

She froze, awkwardly pulling her hand back from the chair, and shuffled over to his side. She stood obediently, her fingers unconsciously fiddling with the hem of her vintage silk dress.

The man’s dark gaze swept over her inch by inch, filled with heavy scrutiny and possessiveness.

His eyes traced her delicate features, trailing down her graceful neck to the stunning curves accentuated by the silk fabric, before finally settling on her slender waist.

Under his intense stare, Claire shifted uncomfortably, feeling entirely exposed.

She pressed her lips together. "Miles, what are you doing?"

His tone dripped with sarcasm. "I should be asking you that, Ms. Jenner. Weren't you supposedly working overtime?"

Caught in her lie, Claire nervously tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and softened her voice.

"I didn't mean to lie. I had no idea the event you mentioned was this auction."

She held up a hand in a solemn vow, doing her best to placate him.

"If I had known you were going to be here, I would have chosen to come with you in a heartbeat, Dr. Zimmerman."

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