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.

nodded appreciatively at Liz's discreet mention. She had chosen to stay behind the scenes, preferring to contribute without seeking recognition. After all. It's all about the

finished her introduction, the 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 bids climbed steadily, reaching £150

portrayal of a silhouette, garnered even more attention. Bidding started at £200 and climbed rapidly, reaching an impressive £1000 as the audience gasped

appreciation and competitive bidding However, it

Annalise, a 15-year-old artist who had passed away from

special story,"

and it is the last artwork she created before she left

Annalise's painting started

H

"62000.

"£5000.

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

such a high counterbid. Determination flickered in her eyes as

escalated. Claire's competitive

room at

had outbid her. With a graceful gesture, she conceded defeat, her expression a mix of admiration

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

100,000.

into applause as

piece just like what he imagined. Lisa clapped her hand excitedly to see her boyfriend won the bidding. She can't help but wonder if this is

the painting auction at the charity event neared its end, Liz, decided to add a surprise twist to

a special treat for all of you. I'd like to showcase a stunning art piece that, surprisingly, is not up for

amusement spread through the

painted by none other than my dear friend, Mary

Chapter 32 They're friends

Liz pulled away the cover, revealing the painting beneath, a collective gasp of admiration

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

Liz gave her

murmur of compliments brought a soft smile to

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

quickly blinked them away, not wanting to

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

genuinely admiring the painting, and feeling

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

have a deep

and made his way to the bustling hall, intending to

approach her, but curiosity nagged at him, prompting him to take a

is captivating,

his words; Alex's breath

out, Alex eyes didn't play a trick on him. The woman he saw earlier was indeed Claire,

surprise and realization.

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

following you? You got

underlying with

not you."

Claire as his voice remind her of

bid

against me for her painting." He stated,

disbelief, "I can't believe I let you

all, you did not let me win, second, I

gazes shooting icy glares at each other. It was a familiar dance of

timen

they crossed paths.

Claire's

she prepared to launch into a heated argument with Alex, but

memory, and she

eyes briefly before

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

turned and walked away, leaving him with a mix of frustration and