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.

seated among the guests, nodded appreciatively at Liz's discreet mention. She had chosen to stay behind the scenes,

The bidding started at £160, quickly escalating as the audience recognized the captivating

attention. Bidding started at £200 and climbed rapidly, reaching an impressive £1000 as the audience gasped in

receiving its fair share of appreciation and

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

gentlemen, this painting holds a special story,"

and soul into this masterpiece, and it is the last artwork

for Annalise's painting

H

"62000.

"£5000.

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

gasp filled the room, even surprising Liz for a moment before she composed herself with a smile. The

high counterbid. Determination flickered

a hushed murmur as the bidding war escalated. Claire's competitive spirit was evident,

at the

graceful gesture, she

the spirited bidding, announced, "Going once, going twice... sold to bidder number 78

100,000.

room erupted into applause as the painting

like what he imagined. Lisa clapped her hand excitedly to see

end, Liz,

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

ripple of amusement spread through the

masterpiece painted by none other than my dear

Chapter 32 They're friends

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

breathtaking, capturing the essence of beauty and 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

Liz gave her

the murmur of compliments

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

feel a little sad. She wish her mum's with her to witness this moment. She knows her mum would have love it especially heating all the

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

eyes. He place aa reassuring hand on her shoulder. With a warm smile, he whispered, "Your mother's painting is very beautiful.

the applause, genuinely admiring the painting, and feeling

generous bid, acknowledging

have a

and made his way to the bustling hall, intending to meet with Lisa,

he should approach her, but curiosity nagged at him,

painting is captivating,

woman turned slightly at his words; Alex's breath

on him. The woman he saw earlier was indeed Claire,

of surprise and

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

you? You got to

underlying

for the auction not you." Alex said his tone was

as his voice remind her

bid on Annalise painting?" Claire asked

bidding against me for her

"I can't believe

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

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

timen

they crossed paths.

Claire's

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

she couldn't tarnish it

her eyes briefly before

Allex. Do whatever you want. I don't care," she stated flatly, her voice devoid

him with a mix of frustration and bewilderment. Meanwhile, Claire approached Anna White, a famous actress, who was admiring one of