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.

to continue cooking breakfast. You go freshen

"Yeah"

at Claire and Alex

Claire, a determined look

make Alex mine," she whispered to herself, her determination fueling her ambition. She promised herself

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. Claire had high hopes for her team; she knew they were capable of coming up with

she gathered her thoughts, her secretary Sandra entered the room. "Good

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

they walked to the meeting room where the team had

for Cortex

to see what each team has come up

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

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

everyone. Your Ideas are truly

the room, heading back to her office. Once inside, she opened the team presentations once more, reviewing each idea carefully.

to call jack. The only person she

is also his thing and his opinion matters to

followed by Matthew

seat and asked, "Claire, why did

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

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 in, his irritation palpable "What's going on here?" Robert demanded, his eyes darting between the three of

Robert's sudden entrance. "I'm sure you know the basics of knocking, Robert? What brings

earlier who held a meeting for

"Yes, and?"

with me first

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 this

is

matters 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

up because this project is

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