The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 224

The table erupted in laughter, and the tips of Claire's ears burned crimson.

Miles hung up his phone and walked over, sweeping a cold glance over the group. "Stop asking pointless questions."

Seeing the shift in mood, Jared quickly tried to smooth things over. "Alright, alright, enough messing around. Let's get serious and keep playing."

Miles leaned down, plucked the cards straight out of Claire's hands, and tossed them onto the table. "I concede this round."

He pushed all the chips toward the center. "Split it yourselves."

With that, he grabbed her hand. "Are we done talking about the distribution channels?"

Claire obediently nodded.

"Good. Then we're heading back."

Finn stood up. "Head to the back pier, it's closer. I arranged a new yacht for you guys. It's a lot more stable."

He picked up a dark green silk scarf and handed it to Claire. "Tie this over his eyes once you get on board. It helps a lot with the seasickness."

Claire took the scarf.

Standing in front of Miles, she stood on her tiptoes, draped the silk over his eyes, wrapped it around the back of his head, and carefully tied a knot.

"All set, Dr. Zimmerman."

This time, Claire took the initiative, holding his hand and leading him into the cabin.

The yacht set off, gliding toward the center of the lake.

Claire waved a hand in front of his face. "Dr. Zimmerman, are you feeling unwell anywhere?"

With his vision swallowed by the dark green fabric, the man shook his head.

Dressed in a crisp button-down and dress pants, the blindfold softened his usual cold, imposing aura, giving him a dangerously alluring, almost fragile vulnerability.

Claire's heart skipped a beat.

That body, that face... it was impossible to resist.

Her fingertips lightly traced the silk scarf over Miles's face, dragging slowly downward until she stopped just at the corner of his lips.

"Dr. Zimmerman, you still haven't answered that question from the card table."

"What question?"

She leaned in closer, her warm breath ghosting over his neck. "Was that... your first time?"

Miles went rigid. His spine straightened, and he forced a cold, stern tone.

The low hum of the yacht's engine felt incredibly distinct in the quiet night.

After a long pause, he finally let out a low, "Yes."

Claire stared at him. Even though it wasn't a big deal, the corners of her lips slowly curled upward.

"So if you were that skilled, did you watch tutorial videos beforehand? Our Dr. Zimmerman is quite the dedicated student."

"Consider me a natural."

Caught in the seductive tension, Claire's heart fluttered.

"Miles, then do you..."

She wanted to ask him, 'Do you still love her? That unattainable ideal living abroad?'

But before she could finish, Miles captured her lips in a deep kiss.

The yacht swayed gently beneath them, leaving her thoughts in a tangled mess.

"Open up," he murmured huskily. "Focus."

In the end, that question never made it out.