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.

behind the scenes, preferring to contribute without

the audience recognized the captivating beauty of the piece. The bids climbed steadily, reaching £150 before finally coming to a halt, sold to an enthusiastic

started at £200 and climbed rapidly, reaching an impressive £1000 as the audience gasped in astonishment. The winning bid went to number 39

its fair share of appreciation and competitive bidding

15-year-old artist who had passed away from leukemia, that

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

poured her heart and soul into this masterpiece, and it is the last artwork she created before she left us. Let's honor her memory with our bids."

Annalise's painting

H

"62000.

"£5000.

tug at her heartstrings hearing Annalise's

herself with a smile. The bid paused momentarily until suddenly, from another part of the room, a bold voice rang out,

high counterbid.

into a hushed murmur as the bidding war escalated. Claire's competitive spirit was evident, but Alex seemed to be equally determined.

at the

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

the spirited bidding, announced, "Going

100,000.

room erupted into applause as the painting

hand excitedly to see her boyfriend won the bidding. She can't help but wonder if this is how wealthy and rich people do

end, Liz, decided to add a surprise twist to

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

amusement spread through the

masterpiece painted by none other than my dear friend,

Chapter 32 They're friends

painting beneath, a collective gasp of admiration swept through

emotion in its strokes and colors. Applause filled the air. mingled with whispers of praise for Mary's talent. Among the guests, Claire couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and joy. She had seen this very painting just two days ago at

Liz gave

appreciation and the murmur of compliments brought a

is grateful that Liz decided to

to witness this moment. She knows her mum

quickly blinked them away, not wanting to draw attention to

smile, he whispered, "Your mother's painting is very beautiful.

applause, genuinely admiring the painting, and

gratitude to Alex for his generous bid, acknowledging his appreciation for art. "Thank you for

appreciation. "I have a

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

back. He hesitated, unsure if he should approach her, but curiosity nagged at him, prompting

painting is

slightly at his words;

on him. The woman he saw earlier

surprise and

maintained a composed facade, though inwardly, she was taken aback by the unexpected encounter. "I could ask you the same thing." she replied evenly, her eyes assessing Alex with a hint of curiosity. "Are you following me again? I can't

following you? You got to

exchange underlying

the auction not you." Alex said his

his voice remind her of

who bid on

for her painting." He stated, a note of

scoffed in disbelief, "I can't believe I let

You let me win? First of all, you did not let

glares at each other. It was

timen

they crossed paths.

Claire's

heated argument with Alex,

to her mother's memory, and she couldn't

eyes briefly

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

was taken aback by Claire's sudden calmness, but before he could respond, she turned and walked away, leaving him with a mix of frustration