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

not sure, to be honest, Robert has

narrowed imperceptibly as she noted

women joined the conversation, showering Gretta with compliments about her party and, of course, her necklace. They inquired about the

"It's a

turned towards her,

smile, Claire leaned

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 by night" while Painite only has less than

confident demeanor. Gretta's smile faltered slightly as she struggled to find a

and raised an eyebrow. "I'm surprised you don't know the stones in your own jewelry. Most women who own such

three ladies who had joined the conversation nodded in agreement with Claire's observation, adding

even the real owner of this jewelry?" she teased,

simmering beneath the surface as she wished

Gretta is the owner. She's too rich to care

other ladies joined in Claire's laughter, easing the tension in

you don't mind

"I'm Claire Peterson."

of the

"I wouldn't say new but in

husband told

a conversation until Claire

a self-satisfied smirk played on her lips. She enjoyed wielding her wit and charm to stir up reactions, even if

plate she held tightly in her hands. Her gaze followed Claire's retreating figure with a simmering anger in her eyes. She couldn't shake the desire for Claire to disappear from their social circle, her presence now a thorn in Gretta's

has confirm her suspicions. That necklace indeed belongs to

that came to mind, how did Gretta gets her hands

necldace reside at her family

in her work and company and trying to take what's hers that

as she made a mental note to

was making her way to her table, she was stopped in her tracks by a guy named Dennis. He seemed to know her,

5'9 feet tall. Claire observed

he said with a

"Claire Peterson."

you really came back,