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.

discreet mention. She had chosen to stay behind the scenes, preferring to contribute without seeking recognition. After all.

first artwork, 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

of a silhouette, garnered even more attention. Bidding started at £200 and climbed rapidly, reaching an impressive £1000 as the audience gasped in astonishment. The winning bid went to number

share of appreciation and competitive

final piece by Annalise, a 15-year-old artist

painting holds a special story," Lizbegan, her

and it is the last artwork she created before she left us. Let's honor

Annalise's painting started

H

"62000.

"£5000.

her heartstrings hearing Annalise's backstory. Without hesitation, she raised her bidding

moment before she composed herself with a smile. The bid paused momentarily until suddenly, from another part of the room, a bold voice

hadn't expected such a high counterbid. Determination flickered in her eyes as she raised her

bidding war escalated. Claire's competitive spirit was evident, but Alex seemed to be equally determined.

of amazement filled the room at the

a graceful gesture, she conceded defeat, her expression a

appreciation for the spirited bidding, announced, "Going once, going twice... sold

100,000.

erupted into applause as the painting found its

won tonight auction. It was a beautiful piece just like what he imagined. Lisa clapped her hand excitedly to see

neared its end, Liz, decided to add a surprise

have a special treat for all of you. I'd like to showcase a stunning art piece that,

of amusement

by none other than

Chapter 32 They're friends

revealing the painting beneath, a

colors. Applause filled the air. mingled with whispers of praise for Mary's talent. Among the guests, Claire couldn't

Liz gave

the murmur of

around her complimented Mary's painting. She is grateful that Liz decided to showcase her mum's beautiful

help but feel a little sad. She wish her mum's with her to witness this moment. She knows her

tears of happiness, but she quickly blinked them away, not wanting to draw attention to

on her shoulder. With a warm smile, he whispered, "Your mother's painting is very beautiful. I know she is proud of you, Claire" Claire nodded, grateful for Matthew's understanding gesture. "Thanks, Matt.

genuinely admiring the painting, and feeling a sense of pride

approached Liz to discuss the payment for the auctioned painting. Liz expressed her gratitude to Alex for his generous bid, acknowledging his appreciation for art. "Thank you for supporting our art club." Liz said with a warm smile as she shook

"I have a deep

handshake, the deal was settled to both parties satisfaction. Alex excused himself and made his way to the bustling hall, intending to meet with Lisa, however a certain someone caught his attention. The

back. He hesitated, unsure if he should approach her, but curiosity

is

woman turned slightly at his words; Alex's breath

The woman he saw earlier was indeed Claire, but he lost sight

of surprise and realization. "What are

the unexpected encounter. "I could ask you the same thing." she replied evenly,

got to be

underlying

auction not

his voice remind her of the man

bid

one bidding against me for her painting." He stated, a note of

disbelief, "I can't believe I let

You let me win? First of all,

shooting icy glares at each other. It was a familiar dance of hatred that seemed to replay

timen

they crossed paths.

Claire's

launch into a heated argument

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

deep breath, Claire closed her eyes briefly before opening them

flatly, her voice devoid

calmness, but before he could respond, she turned and walked away, leaving him with a mix of frustration and