New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 18

Chapter 18 Stole the show

day party

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to Mick's birthday

H

As Mick's birthday party unfolded in a lively atmosphere, Robert took center stage, welcoming the guests with warmth and enthusiasm. The room erupted in applause and cheers, everyone clearly excited to celebrate the occasion

Claire who was eager to hear Dennis explanation got interrupted as the party is starting. Dennis immediately excused himself to go back to his table. Before Claire can stop him, Dennis is out of sight.

The question still lingers in her bead about the house. She is determined to seek the answers but decides to put that aside for now since the only informant has gone back to his family.

was engaged in a conversation with a young woman. Sensing Claire's unease,

Claire decided to return to her table where Matthew was Matthew paused and asked her what was wrong

Claire shook her head slightly, indicating that it wasn't the right time to discuss it. "I'll tell you later," she murmured, trying to push aside her growing concerns about Dennis's words.

Meanwhile, Robert continued to charm the guests, expressing his gratitude for their presence, and inviting his wife and son to join him in blowing out the birthday candles. The room filled with the cheerful melody of the "Happy Birthday" song, guests clapping and singing along in unison.

Claire watched the festivities with a blank expression, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of the mysterious mention of her house. She couldn't shake off the feeling of unease, wondering why someone would imply that her house was being sold without her knowledge. Her train of thought was interrupted by a sudden burst of cheering, drawing her attention back to the party. She joined in the applause, trying to focus on the present moment. Suddenly, Gretta, Robert's wife, took the microphone from him, signaling an unexpected twist in the celebration. Robert looked slightly puzzled, not aware of his wife's plans.

"Greetings, everyone!" Gretta's voice echoed through the room, commanding attention. "We have a special surprise for you tonight."

Claire's curiosity piqued as she wondered what Gretta had up her sleeve. The lights shifted toward Claire, who was seated at the back, causing her to shield her eyes momentarily from the brightness.

Peterson, please join

befitting her role as the CEO of a

the stage beside Gretta. she couldn't suppress a curious smile. "What's going on, Gretta?" she whispered, her voice laced

a smug expression, ignored Claire's question, and turned

her voice carrying across the room, "we have a special

earlier conversation about jewelry. The thought of performing in front of such a

down from a challenge. Despite her initial shock, she

took her seat at the grand piano. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and let her fingers glide over the krys. At first, there was a stumble, a wrong note that caused a brief moment of tension. But then, as the music flowed,

fingers danced

skeptical, was soon captivated by

as she watched the crowd's admiration

a standing ovation from the guests. The applause thundered through the

with a mixture of surprise and frustration. He shot a glare at

looked away and squirmed

of the evening had shifted. Instead of Mick's birthday, the guests were buzzing about Claire's impromptu

piece was indeed

and admirers,

and anger. This event was supposed to be about

frustration any longer, Robert grabbed Gretta, his wife, and pulled her

Gretta?" Robert hissed;

by Robert's sudden outburst. "What do you

play the piano?" Robert demanded;

crossed her arms defensively. "I was just trying to add some excitement to the evening. Besides, Claire couldn't

are wrong. Claire played that piano perfectly. And now everyone is talking about her

her explanation. "But Claire humiliated me earlier in front of my friends. She corrected me about the necklace I was wearing, sald I got the stone