The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 34

Yvonne let out a soft laugh. "You're overthinking it. My uncle has kept to himself for years. He has a long-lost love in his heart."

"As for helping Claire, he probably just ran into her by coincidence and decided to be nosy."

To truly win Jefferson's heart, Yvonne knew she had to swallow her disgust and systematically eradicate Claire from his world forever.

The engagement party ended, and Claire scanned the departing crowd for Miles.

Spotting him walking over from the terrace, she immediately hurried after him.

"Dr. Zimmerman, are you leaving?"

"Yes." Miles nodded. His gaze dropped, landing heavily on her reddened wrist, and his eyes darkened.

"It's really hard to get a cab right now. Could I bother you for a ride? We..." Claire bit her lip. "...are heading in the same direction."

"Alright."

The interior of his car smelled just like him—a clean, crisp scent of antiseptic.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Claire deliberately softened her voice.

"Dr. Zimmerman, I accidentally bumped my wrist earlier. It hurts. Could you buckle my seatbelt for me?"

Miles paused, a hint of helpless resignation crossing his face.

He knew she was faking it, but he couldn't exactly kick her out of the car.

The man leaned over. The space in the passenger seat instantly shrank. His arm stretched across her chest as he reached for the seatbelt beside her.

With a soft click, the belt locked into place.

As Miles settled back into the driver's seat, Claire sat up straight and reached for her bag.

Without warning, her lips brushed against the man's sharp jawline.

The air in the car completely froze.

Just an inch higher, and they would have kissed.

Claire's mind went completely blank. Her face burned crimson, the heat spreading rapidly down her neck and to the tips of her ears.

Yes, she had been trying to seduce him, but accidentally kissing him was definitely not part of the plan.

Grandview Heights, fifth floor.

Miles punched in his passcode, pushed the door open, and casually pulled out the pair of women's slippers he had prepared the last time she was here.

Claire's voice chimed from right behind him.

"Thanks for the ride, Dr. Zimmerman."

The man turned around, watching as she expertly punched in the passcode for the apartment right next door and pushed it open.

His brows pulled together, his hand pausing over the slippers.

Claire held the door open, biting her lip, looking incredibly cautious as if terrified he would be angry.

"Dr. Zimmerman, I forgot to tell you. I just moved in next door a few days ago. We're neighbors now. Please look out for me."

Miles's eyes darkened.

So, she was the one who had moved in a few days ago.

The corners of his mouth twitched upward. She certainly had a lot of tricks up her sleeve.