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.

going to continue cooking breakfast. You go

"Yeah"

glanced at Claire

wedding portrait of Alex and Claire,

whispered to herself, her determination fueling her ambition. She promised herself that

week had passed since Claire had given her team the task of brainstorming innovative ideas for Cortex 2.0. She sat in her office, a sense of excitement bubbling within her as she prepared for the upcoming meeting.

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

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

meeting room where the team had already assembled. Claire greeted everyone warmly, her eyes

ideas for Cortex 2.0," Claire began as she took her seat at the head of

excited to see what each team

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

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

Claire applauded the teams. "Fantastic work, everyone. Your Ideas are truly inspiring and creative.

that the winner would 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 each idea carefully. She wanted to make

The only person she currently trust in the

Matthew since technology is also his

followed by

asked, "Claire, why

I value your insights

They were deep in conversation when Robert burst in,

entrance. "I'm sure you know the

that earlier who held a meeting for the new

"Yes, and?"

with me first

who will be leading this project." "Don't you remember who I am, Claire? I am still a part of the Metacortex corporation, and you left me out. Claire sighed. "You are but what role do you play in

what is Jack doing

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

feeling exasperated. "Fine, Robert. You can join us. But keep up because this

reminded that he used to be the