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

nonchalantly, her smile unwavering "I'm not sure, to be honest, Robert has his

narrowed imperceptibly as she noted Gretta's subtle avoidance of eye

and, of course, her necklace. They inquired about the type of stone adorning the necklace. Gretta beamed proudly, her demeanor bordering on arrogance,ombination of ruby and sapphire," she

"It's a

towards her, a hint of confusion in her expression as she

smile, Claire

Red Beryl, and Alexandrite. Three of the rarest gemstones in the world. I must say. Alexandrite stone often described as "emerald by day, ruby

and confident demeanor. Gretta's smile faltered

arms and raised 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

had joined the conversation nodded in agreement with Claire's observation, adding to

next words sent a chill down Gretta's spine. "Are you even the real owner of this jewelry?" she teased,

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

just joking. Of course, Gretta is the owner. She's

in Claire's laughter, easing the tension in

if you don't mind me

"I'm Claire Peterson."

of the Metacortex corporation, aren't

"I wouldn't say

husband told me about

caught up in a conversation until Claire excused herself gracefully, leaving Gretta feeling a mix of relief and lingering

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

the 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

confirm her suspicions. That necklace indeed belongs

that came to mind, how did Gretta gets

reside at her

in her work and company and trying to

she made a mental note to

her tracks by a guy

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

he said with

"Claire Peterson."

know. So, you