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.

guests, nodded appreciatively at Liz's discreet mention. She had chosen to stay behind the scenes, preferring to contribute without seeking

by a talented 12-year-old, was unveiled. The bidding started at £160, quickly escalating as the audience recognized

and climbed rapidly, reaching an impressive

receiving its fair share of appreciation and competitive bidding However, it was the final painting that

a 15-year-old artist

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

the last artwork she created before she left

for Annalise's painting started

H

"62000.

"£5000.

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

collective gasp filled the room, even surprising Liz for a moment before she composed herself with a smile. The bid paused momentarily until suddenly,

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

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

of amazement filled the room at the staggering amount.

a graceful gesture, she conceded defeat, her expression a mix of

announced, "Going once, going twice... sold

100,000.

room erupted into applause as the painting found

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

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

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

of amusement spread

painted by none other than

Chapter 32 They're friends

pulled away the cover, revealing the painting beneath,

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

Liz gave her a

guests' genuine appreciation and the murmur of compliments brought a soft smile to Claire's

grateful that

to witness this moment. She knows her mum would have love it especially

eyes glistened with unshed tears of happiness, but she quickly

reassuring hand 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. Her painting is

the applause, genuinely admiring the painting, and feeling a sense of pride for her

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 hands with

appreciation. "I have a deep appreciation

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 woman in a red dress stood facing a painting by Mary

unsure if he should approach her, but curiosity nagged at him, prompting him

is

turned slightly at his words;

him. The woman he saw

of surprise and

by the unexpected encounter. "I could ask you the same thing." she

got

exchange underlying

the auction not you." Alex said

dawned on Claire as his voice remind her

the man who bid

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

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

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

glares at each other. It was a familiar dance of hatred

timen

they crossed paths.

Claire's

simmered as she prepared to launch into a heated argument with Alex, but then she caught hersell. This

and she couldn't

eyes briefly before opening them with

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

respond, she turned and walked away, leaving him with a mix of frustration and bewilderment.