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.

please

the crowd with a smile, her graceful demeanor befitting her role as the CEO of a prominent company. She had no inkling of what was about

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

expression, ignored Claire's question, and turned

room, "we have a special treat tonight. Claire will be

and a hint of apprehension. She hadn't anticipated Gretta's revenge for their earlier conversation about jewelry. The thought of performing in front of such a distinguished audience made her pulse

Claire wasn't one to back down from a challenge. Despite her initial shock, she plastered on a confident smile, determined not to let

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

fingers danced with

skeptical, was soon captivated by Claire's

crowd's admiration grow. Her grip on the microphone tightened, her expression souring with each note Claire played

crescendo of the piece, her eyes opened, meeting a standing ovation from the guests. The applause thundered through

husband, observed the scene with a mixture of surprise

looked away and squirmed

the evening had shifted. Instead of Mick's birthday, the guests were buzzing about Claire's impromptu plano performance, praising her talent and grace. "Ms. Peterson that was an amazing

was indeed

by well-wishers and admirers, accepted their

watched with a mixture of irritation and anger. This event was supposed to be about his family, particularly his son Mick, but it seemed like all attention was

grabbed Gretta, his wife, and pulled her aside into the kitchen, away from

that, Gretta?" Robert hissed; his voice edged with

by Robert's sudden outburst. "What do you

play the piano?" Robert demanded; his frustration

crossed her arms defensively. "I was just trying to add some excitement to the

that piano perfectly. And now everyone is talking about her not about Mick or

about the necklace I was wearing, sald I got the stone wrong. It was embarrassing" Robert ran a hand through his