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.

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

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 before finally

even more attention. Bidding started at £200 and climbed rapidly, reaching an impressive £1000 as

of appreciation and competitive bidding However, it was the final painting that

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

a special story,"

into this masterpiece, and it is the last artwork she created before she left us. Let's

bidding for Annalise's

H

"62000.

"£5000.

her heartstrings hearing Annalise's backstory.

the room, even surprising Liz for a moment before she composed herself with a smile. The bid paused momentarily until suddenly, from another part of

up in surprise. She hadn't expected such a high counterbid.

as the bidding war escalated. Claire's competitive spirit was evident, but Alex

of amazement filled the room at the staggering amount. Claire scoffed

gesture, she conceded defeat, her expression a mix of

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

100,000.

erupted into applause as the painting

like what he imagined. Lisa clapped her hand excitedly to see her boyfriend won the bidding. She can't help but

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

of you. I'd like to showcase a stunning art piece that, surprisingly, is

ripple of amusement spread through

painted by none other than my

Chapter 32 They're friends

the cover, revealing the painting beneath,

air. mingled with whispers of praise for Mary's talent. Among the

Liz gave her a

genuine appreciation and the murmur of compliments brought

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

mum's with her to witness this moment. She knows

glistened with unshed tears of happiness, but she quickly blinked them away, not wanting to draw attention to her

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 painting, and feeling a sense of pride for her

approached Liz to discuss the payment for the auctioned painting. Liz expressed her gratitude to Alex for his generous bid, acknowledging

in appreciation. "I have a deep appreciation

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

He hesitated, unsure if he should approach her,

painting is

turned slightly at his words; Alex's breath caught in his

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

surprise and realization.

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

following you? You got to be

underlying with

auction not you." Alex said his

remind her of the man bidding Annalise

man who bid

her painting." He stated, a note of recognition coloring

disbelief, "I can't

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

each other. It was a familiar dance of

timen

they crossed paths.

Claire's

into a heated argument with Alex,

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

closed her eyes briefly before

want. I don't care," she stated flatly, her voice

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