New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 17

Chapter 17 Discovering

Alex stood on his balcony at his penthouse, his phone pressed to his ear as he paced back and forth. Frustration and worry clouded his features as he tried to call Claire once again, knowing deep down that she wouldn't answer, Claire had blocked his number weeks ago, and the divorce hadn't changed that fact.

Sinking onto the couch, Alex let out a harsh sigh. The article about their divorce lingered in his mind, despite Christian's efforts to handle the media fallout. Lisa, noticing his distress, came over and sat next to him, her brow furrowing with concern "What's bothering you, Alex?" Lis asked softly.

Alex explained about the article and how it had left him feeling uneasy. "The Harris family has always been private. Such news about our personal lives shouldn't be plastered all over the internet," he said, frustration evident in his voice, Lisa Jeaned against his shoulder.

"Why is it such a big deal if people find out?"

"As I said, our lives needs to be private. Cause it can damaged our reputation and affect our stock market."

Lisa placed her hand on Alex cheek, offering comfort. "I understand, Alex But try not to let it consume you. Everything will be okay."

Back at the party, Claire spotted Gretta at the buffet table, her eyes narrowing slightly. Swallowing her annoyance, she approached Gretta with a friendly smile, deciding to address the issue head-on

"Hi, Gretta," Claire said with a smile, trying to keep her tone pleasant.

Gretta turned to her with a polite smile, unaware of Claire's inner turmoil. "Oh, hello, Claire. Lovely party, isn't it?"

"It is. You really did a good job preparing it."

"Oh, thank you, Claire. After all it is Mick's birthday and it have to be special."

Claire nodded, her eyes subtly glancing at the necklace around Gretta's neck. "Indeed. And that necklace you're wearing, it's stunning

Gretta's hand instinctively rose to touch the necklace, her smile glowing with pride under the bright lights. "Thank you, Claire. It's one of my favorites." her voice tinged with satisfaction

"If you don't mind me asking, where did you get it?"

"Oh, it is a gift from Robert."

"Where did Robert get it?"

H

smile unwavering "I'm not sure,

imperceptibly as she noted Gretta's subtle avoidance of eye

necklace. They inquired about the type of stone adorning the necklace. Gretta beamed proudly, her demeanor bordering on arrogance,ombination of

"It's a

head turned towards her, a hint of confusion in her

a composed smile, Claire leaned

no issue at all. It's just that this necklace isn't adorned with ruby and sapphire. It's actually a combination of Painite, Red Beryl, and Alexandrite. Three of the rarest gemstones in the world. I must say. Alexandrite stone often described as "emerald by day, ruby

awe, impressed by Claire's knowledge and confident demeanor. Gretta's smile faltered slightly

an eyebrow. "I'm surprised you don't know the stones in your own jewelry. Most women who own such exquisite pieces are quite familiar with

who had joined the conversation nodded in

the real owner of

humiliated, her anger simmering beneath the surface as she wished for Claire to disappear from the

Of course, Gretta is the owner.

other ladies joined in Claire's laughter,

if you don't

"I'm Claire Peterson."

of the Metacortex

wouldn't say new but in

told me

being forgotten as they were caught up in a conversation until Claire excused

lips. She enjoyed wielding her wit and charm to stir up reactions, even

Her gaze followed Claire's retreating figure with a simmering anger in her eyes. She couldn't shake the desire

her suspicions. That necklace indeed belongs to

mind, how did Gretta gets her hands on that

remembers correctly that necldace reside at her family house. Claire can't help thinking about

and trying to take what's hers that she actually forgot about her

a mental note

tracks by a guy named Dennis. He seemed to know her, but Claire couldn't recall ever

dirty blonde hair and 5'9 feet tall. Claire observed him carefully as he

I'm Dennis Anderson," he

"Claire Peterson."

you really came back,