The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 213

The Twilight Lounge.

Music blared through the private booth, the coffee table overflowing with fruit platters and expensive liquor.

Claire Jenner sat in the center of the plush leather sofa, surrounded by a lively group of OCHH Luxury employees.

"Claire, I can't believe you're actually Nati! I literally joined this company because of you."

"I spent six months stalking the website just to get my hands on that dusty-blue evening gown."

"My idol is sitting right next to me. I feel like I'm dreaming."

...

Toast after toast came her way, and Claire's cheeks flushed with a warm, tipsy glow.

Julian Young sat beside her, his arm resting casually on the back of the sofa behind her, closing the distance between them just enough to spark a hint of intimacy.

His eyes crinkled with a seemingly innocent smile.

"Claire, here's to you. I'm so glad we get to fight side by side again."

She nodded eagerly. "We're definitely going to bring OCHH Luxury back from the brink."

She raised her glass again, but Julian gently caught her wrist.

His voice was incredibly soft. "Claire, you've had enough."

She waved him off with a giggle. "I'm fine! We're celebrating!"

Julian chuckled softly and didn't push it. Instead, he pulled out his phone, snapped a casual photo of the room, and then flipped it to selfie mode, carefully adjusting the angle.

The frame perfectly captured his face and Claire's. Under the dim, sultry lighting, they looked picture-perfect together.

He posted it to his social media with a quick caption.

[Starting fresh. Wait for the new collection!]

-

Central General Hospital, third-floor office.

Miles Zimmerman had just stepped out of the operating room. After two grueling back-to-back surgeries, exhaustion lined his features as he leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed.

Finn Zorn pushed the door open and dropped onto the sofa. "Alright, Mr. Patron, what are your orders?"

Back at the Twilight Lounge, the team-building vibe had reached a fever pitch.

Someone suggested playing Truth or Dare. The empty bottle spun across the table before slowing down and pointing directly at Claire.

A girl raised her hand excitedly. "I'll ask! I'll ask!"

"Claire, are you single or do you have a boyfriend?"

Claire was thoroughly drunk. Her mind was foggy, and on pure instinct, she raised her left hand, wiggling her fingers to show off the massive diamond ring. Her tone was laced with a charming hint of pride.

"Me? I'm already married."

The entire booth erupted in gasps of shock.

Beside her, a paranoid, icy darkness flickered in Julian's eyes.

The bottle was spun again, and once more, it landed on Claire.

The crowd cheered and teased her. "Claire, what is this luck? You need to go buy a lottery ticket!"

"What should we ask her this time?"