The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 169

Early the next morning, right after breakfast, the doorbell rang exactly on schedule.

The family driver stood respectfully in the hallway, flanked by two towering bodyguards.

Toby clung to Claire like a limpet, his eyes red and puffy. "Goddess Claire, I don't want to go."

"Be a good boy and go to preschool. I'm taking a short trip, but I promise I'll come see you as soon as I get back, okay?"

"Then you have to remember to call me."

"I will."

"And we have to do a video call."

"Deal."

Claire held out her pinky finger, solemnizing the promise. Only then did Toby finally agree to leave with the driver.

The moment the door clicked shut, strong arms wrapped tightly around Claire's waist from behind.

Miles buried his face in her hair, his voice muffled and surprisingly needy. "You have to call me, too. And video call me. And remember to miss me."

"I know, Dr. Zimmerman." Claire turned her head and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. "I have to get going."

She grabbed the handle of her suitcase and slipped out the door.

Miles stood motionless in the entryway, his eyes darkening as he watched her leave.

Azure Springs Resort was nestled along the Empire City coastline, boasting breathtaking ocean views.

Julian was stationed at the main entrance, warmly greeting the guests arriving for his mother's birthday weekend.

Catching sight of Claire, his face lit up. He hurried over to relieve her of her luggage. "Claire! You made it. How was the drive?"

"It was fine. The driver you arranged was incredibly considerate."

Julian handed her a room key. "It's a bit out of the way out here, but my mother loves the peace and quiet."

"The actual dinner is tonight. I've rented out the private theater so everyone can catch a movie this afternoon, and then we'll head down to the beach to watch the sunset."

Claire nodded in agreement.

She had been given an oceanfront suite. The massive floor-to-ceiling windows offered a spectacular, uplifting view of the golden beach and the sparkling azure sea.

She snapped a quick photo of the view and texted it to Miles.

[I'm here. The view is gorgeous.]

She waited a few minutes, but no reply came.

Assuming he was caught up in surgery, Claire didn't give it a second thought. She unpacked her suitcase and started to change.

She opened her mouth to hiss at him, but her phone buzzed in her lap. It was a text from Miles.

[You're barely wearing anything.]

Claire darted a panicked glance around the dark theater. No one seemed to have noticed a thing.

She furiously tapped out a reply.

[What the hell are you doing here?!]

Miles glanced lazily at his screen and fired back.

[I figured someone wouldn't behave if left unsupervised. It seems I was entirely correct.]

For some inexplicable reason, the usually stoic doctor had become insanely territorial and clingy over the past few days.

[We're going to the beach later. It's practical. Look around, everyone is dressed like this.]

Miles shot a terrifyingly dark look at his phone and didn't bother responding.

Instead, the hand on her thigh squeezed dangerously tight.

The scorching heat of his palm seared through her clothes, practically radiating a dark, lethal possessiveness.