New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 14

Chapter 14, He will be mine

Alex woke up to an empty side of the bed. He headed downstairs and found Lisa in the kitchen, cooking breakfast. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, greeting her. "Good morning, babe." He planted a soft kiss on her cheek.

However, Lisa's response was muted, her mind preoccupied with the lingering scent of alcohol on Alex's clothes. Instead of

reciprocating his greeting, she hummed softly.

Sensing something amiss, Alex pulled away slightly and leaned against the counter, studying her expression.

"Is everything okay, Lisa? Are you feeling alright, or is it your stitches bothering you?"

Lisa sighed, turning off the stove and facing him with crossed arms. "I'm fine," she replied curtly, her tone chilly. Noticing the change in her demeanor, Alex pressed further. "Why the cold tone, then?"

Lisa hesitated before speaking up. "Where did you really go last night?"

Alex hesitated for a moment, then replied, "I told you last night, that I was bust at the office."

Lisa shook her head, her expression firm. "You're lying, Alex. Your clothes reek of alcohol"

Alex's heart sank as he realized he had been caught. He paused, searching for the right words.

Finally, he admitted, "I did go to a club and had a few drinks, but that's all. I didn't do anything wrong.

Lisa looked at him sadly, her disappointment evident. "Why lie to me, Alex? You could have just told me the truth."

Alex ran a hand through his hair, feeling guilty. "I know, and I'm sorry. I just didn't want to disappoint you. I made a promise, and I couldn't keep it"

Lisa stepped closer, wrapping her arms around him in a comforting embrace. "You can tell me anything, Alex. I'll try to understand."

Alex returned the bug gratefully, feeling a mix of relief and remorse.

cooking breakfast. You

"Yeah"

help but glanced at

the wedding portrait of Alex and Claire, a determined look in her

determination fueling her ambition. She promised herself that she would make Alex marry her, no matter what

a sense of excitement bubbling within her as she prepared

her thoughts, her secretary Sandra entered the room. "Good morning, Claire. Are you ready

a smile. "Absolutely, Sandra. Let's head to

the meeting room where the team had already assembled. Claire greeted

Cortex 2.0," Claire began as she took her seat at

see what each team

was settled, Claire made an announcement. "I'll be randomly calling out team names, so be prepared

over two hours as each team presented their innovative concepts. It was a serious and focused atmosphere, with

last presentation, Claire applauded the teams. "Fantastic work, everyone. Your Ideas are truly inspiring

be announced in a few days" time and then dismissed the meeting Claire was the first to leave the room, heading back to her office. Once inside, she opened the team presentations once more, reviewing

jack. The only person she

also his thing and his opinion matters to

followed by

seat and asked, "Claire,

"I wanted to discuss the presentations with both of you. I value your insights

atmosphere in Claire's office was tense as she, Jack, and Matthew discussed the earlier presentation from the team to choose the winner. They were deep in conversation when Robert burst

at Robert's sudden entrance. "I'm sure you know the basics

heard that earlier who held a meeting for the new

"Yes, and?"

with me first when you decided to

winner who will be leading this project." "Don't you remember who I am, Claire? I am still a part of the Metacortex corporation,

what is

the most in this company. Aren't you forgetting that?" Robert's eyes then shifted to Matthew, a man he didn't recognize. "And who is he? He's not even an employee." Claire smiled faintly. "Matthew is my advisor. He helps me make decisions and he is good with technology." Robert's frustration grew, but he tried to keep his anger in check. "I still need to be included

feeling exasperated. "Fine, Robert. You can join us. But keep up because this project is going to be

Claire's mocking tone, reminded that he used to be