The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 44

"Ms. Jenner, we're very grateful that you took a knife for Miles, but next time you decide to play hero, it might be better to assess your own limits first."

Claire gave her a lazy, indifferent glance, barely sparing her the time of day. "If anyone's going to thank me, it should be Miles. Who exactly are you, Dr. Langford, to be thanking me on his behalf?"

"He and I were classmates abroad for four years. Studying medicine in a foreign country forged a bond between us that is far deeper than anything he shares with anyone else."

Vivian let out a soft sigh. "Ms. Jenner, I highly doubt you know the real reason Miles went overseas, do you?"

She paused, deliberately watching Claire for a reaction.

"It was because he couldn't let go of his first love."

"And? Did you really walk in circles just to tell me that?"

"I wanted to remind you, Ms. Jenner, that even if you take a knife for him and stick to him like glue, even if he ends up with you, you'll always just be a replacement. Is that really the life you want?"

"Whether I'm a replacement or not is my business. Some people would kill to be a replacement, but they simply don't have the assets for it."

Claire's retort was razor-sharp.

"Dr. Langford, you wouldn't happen to be jealous of my face, would you?"

"You..." Vivian faltered, completely silenced by the verbal slap.

But she quickly steadied herself. She was now certain that Claire had been entirely unaware of the 'first love' situation.

Suddenly, Claire's gaze shifted toward the hallway outside the room, and her expression flipped in an instant.

The sharp-tongued, provocative demeanor vanished without a trace.

She suddenly looked frail, her voice trembling slightly.

"Dr. Langford, I understand what you're saying. I'll behave and keep my distance from Dr. Zimmerman... please don't be angry..."

Vivian was completely thrown off by the sudden character change.

She frowned. "What kind of nonsense are you spouting?"

Before the words had even settled, the door swung open.

Miles walked in holding some lab results, his expression dark.

"Dr. Langford, since when did my patient have rules she needed to follow for you?"

Vivian's heart dropped, and she hastily tried to explain.

"Miles, you misunderstood. I came here to check on Ms. Jenner. She got hurt for you; I couldn't be more grateful to her."

Claire nodded. "I strongly dislike her."

"Okay," he didn't argue. "If you don't like her, just ignore her."

"Your vitals are all normal. Once the wound heals, you'll be cleared for discharge."

"I have a meeting to get to soon. Let me finish up, and I'll take you down to the cafeteria for dinner later."

-

Inside an office on the third floor.

Vivian pushed the door open. "Miles, I really need to talk to you about Claire Jenner..."

Miles frowned without speaking, a flash of impatience settling in his eyes.

"Claire's mother has severe kidney failure. Finding a matching donor is purely based on luck. The wait times are agonizing, and the medical bills are astronomical."

She locked eyes with Miles, enunciating every word.

"And you possess the resources and the power to find that kidney."

"Miles, wake up! Do you really think she suddenly approached you, fabricated excuses to stay by your side, and even took a knife for you just because she likes you?"