The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 46

The flicker of annoyance in Claire's chest evaporated instantly.

She blinked, slipping seamlessly into a soft, timid tone.

"Dr. Langford, please don't be mad. That's just how Dr. Zimmerman is. He's incredibly dedicated to his patients, especially difficult ones like me..."

She lowered her head, the picture of guilt and helplessness.

"It's all my fault. My injured arm makes things so inconvenient, so I'm always bothering him to take care of me. Since you're so understanding, Dr. Langford, I know you wouldn't hold a grudge against a patient, right?"

Every word dripped with textbook manipulation, stabbing right into Vivian's sore spots.

Vivian was livid. She was clenching her jaw so hard her teeth felt like they might crack. She maintained a strained smile, but in her mind, she had cursed Claire out a thousand times.

This manipulative little bitch was playing in the big leagues!

Satisfied, Claire put down her fork. "I'm full, Dr. Zimmerman."

Miles glanced at the food left on her tray. "Not to your liking?"

She shot a pointed look at Vivian. "I just suddenly lost my appetite."

"Alright." Miles stood up, grabbed her jacket, and draped it over her shoulders.

"Go wait for me in the courtyard. I'll clear this up and take you out to eat something else."

-

In the hospital's garden.

The evening breeze carried a hint of a chill as Claire stood under a sycamore tree.

Thinking about how Miles had defended her just moments ago, and the twisted look of fury on Vivian's face, she couldn't help but smile.

It seemed her master plan to conquer the untouchable doctor was right on schedule.

Suddenly, a tiny, stocky figure dashed around the bend of the path.

Like a little rocket, he crashed right into her legs with a thud!

Claire wobbled from the impact and looked down to see a four- or five-year-old boy in denim overalls.

Her mind went completely blank.

No wonder he hadn't dated anyone all these years—he already had a kid.

A secret marriage? Divorced?

Nervous, she asked carefully, "So, does your dad have a wife?"

The little guy tilted his head, thought about it very seriously, and shook his head. "Nope. I've never seen my dad's wife."

A single dad. Claire exhaled a sigh of relief, immediately followed by a wave of sympathy.

Such a young kid...

Wait. If she could win over this little guy, didn't that mean she was one massive step closer to melting Miles's icy exterior?

This might actually be an incredible shortcut.

Skipping the pain of childbirth to instantly gain a cute, handsome kid? This was an absolute win!