New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 31

Chapter 31 Bidding

As Claire making her way to the other corridor, Alex trailed behind her, his steps careful as he tried to confirm whether the woman in the striking red dress was indeed his ex-wife. His heart pounded with uncertainty, wondering if his eyes were playing tricks on him amidst

the crowded venue.

He lost track of Claire due to the amount of crowd at the exhibition.

Spotting Claire engaged in conversation with another guest, Alex quickened his pare. He reached out and gently tapped her shoulder. his voice tinged with hesitation. "Claire?"

Claire turned, her eyes meeting Alex's with a mix of surprise and curiosity, "Yes? Can I help you?" she replied politely, though a flicker of confusion crossed her features.

Realization dawned on Alex as he looked into the unfamiliar eyes of the woman before him. He quickly retracted his hand, embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "I'm sorry, I must have mistaken you for someone else," he apologized, his tone apologetic,

The woman in the red dress, a stranger to Alex, nodded understandingly. "No worries," she replied with a polite smile before returning to her conversation.

Alex took a step back, his mind racing with thoughts. "I could have sworn it was her," he muttered to himself, his brow furrowing in frustration. He glanced around, trying to make sense of what had just happened.

As he walked away, Alex couldn't shake off the feeling of confusion.

"Maybe I'm just imagining things," he reasoned with himself.

His recent encounter with Claire a few days ago flashed in his memory, reminding him of her bold behavior.

Regaining his composure, Alex took a deep breath and decided to focus on enjoying the exhibition:

"Why am I thinking of her? I'm here with Lisa. The most beautiful woman."

Alex head back to the main hall to find Lisa

The backstage area buzzed with activity as Claire met with Liz, the designated host for the charity revent.

Liz, in her role as the event's host, radiated excitement mixed with a hint of nervousness.

hawarm

"Are you ready for tonight?" Claire asked with a warm smile, her voice carrying a reassuring tone.

Liz nodded eagerly, though a touch of apprehension lingered in her eyes. "I think so. I've rehearsed my lines. I just hope everything goes smoothly."

Claire placed a comforting hand on Liz's shoulder. "You'll do great, Liz, I know you do. 1 have faith in you just like my mum did."

Liz smiled gratefully at Claire's words "Thank you, Claire. Your mum would be so proud of you. And thank you for organizing this wonderful charity event. It means a lot to the children."

Claire's smile softened as she shook her head modestly. "I didn't do anything, it's all my mother. If it wasn't for her letter, I wouldn't have known about it. This event is a tribute to my mother's legacy." Liz nodded understandingly. "You have your mother's eyes. You know that."

Claire chuckled lightly. "Thank you, that is the biggest compliment people gave me.

With a final wish of good luck, Claire headed to her table. She spotted Matthew eating a plate of hors d'oeuvres.

"You and food, Matt." Claire took a seat next to him with an amuse smile etched on her lips.

"The food is amazing. You should try

try it. TM

"Maybe later. Anyway, thanks for helping me organizing the event. I couldn't thank you enough."

"Stop saying thank you, Claire. You have said it a lot of times. I'm just doing what my boss tell me." Matthew winked at Claire playfully.

A minutes later, Liz took the stage with confidence.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for joining us tonight," Liz began with a warm smile, her voice carrying across the room. "We have a wonderful lineup of artworks up for auction."

She paused for a moment, glancing around the room before continuing. "I'd like to extend a special thanks to a dear friend who preters

to remain anonymous but played a crucial role in making tonight's charity event possible. Let's give her a round of silent applause.

the scenes, preferring to contribute without seeking recognition.

an abstract painting by a talented 12-year-old, was unveiled. The bidding started at £160, quickly escalating as the audience recognized the captivating beauty of the piece. The bids climbed steadily, reaching £150 before finally coming to a halt, sold to

reaching an impressive

its fair share of appreciation and competitive bidding However,

artist who had passed away

gentlemen, this painting holds a special story," Lizbegan, her

is the last artwork she

Annalise's painting

H

"62000.

"£5000.

the painting, felt a tug at her heartstrings hearing Annalise's backstory. Without hesitation, she raised her bidding card and confidently

even surprising Liz for a moment before she composed herself with a smile. The bid paused momentarily until suddenly, from another

such a high counterbid. Determination flickered in her eyes as she raised her bid

Claire's competitive spirit was evident, but Alex seemed to

filled the room at the staggering amount.

looked around, wondering who had outbid her. With a graceful gesture, she conceded defeat, her expression a mix

announced, "Going once, going twice... sold to bidder number

100,000.

erupted into applause as the

in satisfaction as he won tonight auction. It was a beautiful piece just like what he imagined. Lisa clapped her hand excitedly to see her boyfriend won the bidding. She

auction at the charity event neared its end, Liz, decided

a special treat for all of you. I'd like to showcase

ripple of amusement

other than my

Chapter 32 They're friends

the cover, revealing the painting beneath, a collective gasp of admiration swept

the air. mingled with whispers of praise for Mary's talent. Among the guests, Claire

Liz gave

murmur of compliments brought a

her complimented Mary's painting. She is grateful that Liz decided

down, Claire can't help but feel a little sad. She wish her mum's with her to witness this moment. She knows her

quickly blinked them

on her shoulder. With a warm smile, he whispered, "Your mother's painting is very beautiful. I

the applause, genuinely admiring the painting, and feeling a sense

for the auctioned painting. Liz expressed her gratitude to Alex for his generous

appreciation. "I have a deep appreciation for

and made his way to the bustling hall, intending to meet with Lisa, however a certain someone caught his attention. The woman in a

he should approach her, but

painting is captivating, isn't

turned slightly at his words; Alex's

woman he saw earlier was indeed

a mix of surprise and realization. "What

same thing." she replied evenly, her eyes assessing Alex with a hint of curiosity. "Are you

you? You got to be kidding

exchange underlying with

auction not you."

Claire as his voice remind her of the man bidding Annalise

the man who bid

me for her painting." He stated, a note

in disbelief, "I can't believe I let you win

Alex argue. "Excuse me? You let me win? First of all, you did not let me win, second, I

It was a familiar dance of hatred that seemed to

timen

they crossed paths.

Claire's

launch into a heated argument with Alex, but then she caught hersell.

to her mother's memory, and she couldn't tarnish it with

breath, Claire closed her eyes briefly before

you want. I don't care," she stated flatly, her voice devoid of the

respond, she turned and walked away, leaving him with a mix of frustration and bewilderment. Meanwhile, Claire approached Anna White, a famous actress, who was admiring one of the