The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 214

Julian's sharp eyes caught a familiar silhouette standing just outside the private booth's door.

He clamped a hand down on the bottle and raised his voice intentionally. "I'll ask this one."

He wore a bright smile, but his voice carried a youthful, reckless edge of provocation.

"So, Claire... do you think it's better to be married, or single?"

The cheers in the room shifted into something far more delicate. Everyone held their breath, waiting for her answer.

They weren't blind; everyone could tell Julian's feelings for Claire went far beyond professional.

The flush on Claire's face deepened. Tipsy and disoriented, she tilted her head, seemingly giving the question serious thought.

After a long moment, the corners of her lips curled up. Her voice was soft and sweet, slow but undeniable.

"It's definitely better to be single!"

Her voice trailed off, becoming an incoherent mumble.

"But my husband is the best..."

"So you still prefer being single!" Julian quickly interjected, intentionally talking over the second half of her sentence.

Outside the door, Miles's hand froze on the handle.

A suffocating wave of bitterness surged in his chest.

Single is better.

Those words felt like a needle sliding effortlessly into his heart.

Miles forcefully shoved down the turbulent emotions storming in his eyes. He pushed the door open and walked in with a slow, deliberate pace, exuding a commanding presence that demanded absolute attention.

The loud, chaotic room instantly fell dead silent.

Julian offered a faint, calculated smile and leaned just a fraction closer to Claire.

Miles's gaze turned glacial. He walked straight up to them, grabbed Claire's arm, and firmly pulled her away from Julian's side.

Half of Claire's body slumped against him. She looked up at him, her usually bright and composed eyes now swimming with a hazy fog, her long eyelashes fluttering.

The moment the door clicked shut, Julian downed the rest of his drink in one gulp, jumped up, and chased after them.

Out in the hallway, Julian blocked their path. "Miles Zimmerman!"

He glared at Miles with unyielding hostility.

"What right do you have to stand beside her?"

"You manipulated her mother's illness. You used the Zimmerman family's power. Didn't you hear her? She thinks being single is better! She doesn't love you at all; you just trapped her in a marriage!"

Miles looked at him with chilling composure. "And?"

Julian gritted his teeth. "If it weren't for you, she would be with me. You're nothing but a latecomer. What right do you have to steal her away?"

Miles let out a low, disdainful laugh.

"Julian, you have no right to lecture me about who got here first."

"I waited ten years for her. Why shouldn't I fight for what's mine?"