The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 195

Queenshaven was a mountainous region with humid, sweltering air, far warmer than Empire City.

Claire got off the plane and headed straight for a hotel near Queenshaven University. Professor Reed's lecture was taking place at the university's auditorium, so she had booked a room nearby on her way over.

As soon as she stepped into the hotel lobby, she froze.

By the reception desk stood Jefferson Sterling, his gaze fixed on her. His eyes were swimming with complex emotions.

There was shock, disbelief, and then—a sudden, smug wave of victory.

Claire knitted her brows.

So, when he had mentioned over the phone yesterday that he was leaving town for a while, he meant Queenshaven.

Talk about terrible luck.

She refused to let him ruin her plans to see her professor, so she completely ignored him and walked toward the desk to check in.

"Claire," Jefferson called out with casual warmth. He stepped into her path, gazing at her with intense affection. "You came."

"Did you see the financial news about Sterling Holdings? You knew I was here. The situation at the branch office is a bit tricky right now."

He smirked, his eyes crinkling with amusement.

"But seeing you here makes all those problems fade away."

Claire kept her face blank. "My being in Queenshaven has absolutely nothing to do with you."

Jefferson rubbed his temples, lowering his voice in an exasperated tone.

"Claire, I know I was in the wrong regarding Yvonne. I know you want me to apologize, to make a grand gesture and win you back. I can do all of that, just not right now."

"Be reasonable. Stop throwing a tantrum."

Just outside the hotel doors, a black sedan idled at the curb.

Miles sat in the backseat, the window rolled down halfway. His eyes locked onto the two figures standing entirely too close to each other in the lobby.

He watched Jefferson step into her space, talking to her with that sickeningly fond demeanor.

He gripped the door handle, fighting the overwhelming urge to rip it open.

He was waiting to see how Claire would react.

Claire took a step back, deliberately widening the gap between them.

Long, elegant fingers, with the Blessed Guardian Rosary from the Blue Ridge Monastery wrapped around the wrist.

Miles was here.

A rush of pure joy flooded Claire's eyes. She completely ignored Jefferson and bolted out of the lobby.

"Claire!" Jefferson shouted after her, but she didn't even look back.

By the time he chased her outside, she had vanished.

There was no one on the sidewalk, just a few parked cars. She must have gotten into one.

Jefferson jogged down the curb, peering through the tinted windows of each vehicle.

Inside the backseat of the sedan.

Claire hopped in, slightly out of breath. "What are you doing here?"

"Are you afraid that I came?" Miles kept his gaze locked on her.

"It's just a lecture. Why would I be afraid?" She caught the tension in his expression and instantly knew he had seen Jefferson. "I swear it was a total coincidence. He and I are completely—"