The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 8

The man's expression remained indifferent. His gaze rapidly skimmed over the sliver of luminous skin exposed at her collar before he replied with biting distance, “It was just a coincidence.”

“Dr. Zimmerman!” Seeing him turn to leave, Claire hastily called out. “You've helped me so many times. I'd love to treat you to dinner to show my gratitude.”

Someone from the adjacent booth laughed and chimed in.

“Hey, pretty lady! Mind letting Miles finish celebrating my birthday first?”

So he was here for a friend's birthday party.

Claire peeked over the divider, offering a flawless, radiant smile.

“I'm so sorry for crashing the party. Happy birthday to the man of the hour.”

Making a good impression on his friends and colleagues was never a bad move.

Jared proactively extended an invite. “Ms. Jenner, why don't you come sit with us?”

Claire blinked innocently. “Oh, wouldn't I be intruding?”

“Not at all! The more, the merrier,” Jared insisted, making the final call.

Playing along perfectly, Claire slid into the empty seat right next to Miles.

The marble table was covered exclusively in pots of hot tea instead of alcohol—an absolute anomaly inside a loud, sweaty nightclub.

“Have some fruit, Ms. Jenner.”

“Thank you, Dr. Johnston,” Claire said, her eyes curving sweetly. “I'll make sure to get you a proper birthday present next time we meet.”

“Don't be so formal. Just call me Jared, and don't worry about a gift.”

“We all got to enjoy that comforting chicken soup you brought for Miles last time. It was incredible.”

The smile on Claire's lips faded a fraction.

She had woken up at the crack of dawn, spent two hours simmering that soup, and even burned her hand.

And he hadn't even taken a single bite. He simply handed it off to someone else.

This untouchable man was going to be a tough nut to crack.

She quickly masked her disappointment, her smile returning just as sweet as before.

“I'm glad you guys liked it. I'll bring more next time. Thank you all so much for looking after my mother.”

Miles's fingers tightened slightly around his teacup.

He hadn't missed that fleeting shadow of hurt in her eyes, and a strange, sharp pang hit his chest.

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