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

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 coming to a

painting, a striking artistic portrayal 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

appreciation and competitive bidding However, it was the final painting

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

this painting holds a special story," Lizbegan,

masterpiece, and it is the last artwork she created before she left us. Let's honor her memory with

for Annalise's painting started

H

"62000.

"£5000.

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

filled 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 the room, a bold voice rang out,

expected such a high counterbid. Determination flickered in

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

at the staggering amount.

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

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

100,000.

room erupted into applause as the painting found its new

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

end, Liz, decided to add a surprise twist

auction, I have a special treat for all of you. I'd

of amusement spread through the

a masterpiece painted by none other than

Chapter 32 They're friends

the painting beneath, a collective gasp of admiration swept through 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 and joy. She had seen this very painting just two days ago at

Liz gave her a

of compliments

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

mum's with her to witness this moment. She

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

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

admiring the painting, and feeling a

concluded and guests began to mingle, Alex approached Liz to discuss the payment for the auctioned painting. Liz expressed her gratitude to Alex for his generous

appreciation. "I have a

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

if he should approach her, but curiosity nagged

is

slightly at his words; Alex's

Alex eyes didn't play a trick on him. The woman he saw

Alex's voice held a mix of surprise and realization.

the unexpected encounter. "I could ask you the same thing." she replied evenly, her eyes assessing Alex with a hint of curiosity. "Are you

you? You got to be kidding

underlying with

auction not you." Alex said his tone

voice remind

who bid on Annalise painting?" Claire asked

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

disbelief, "I can't

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

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

timen

they crossed paths.

Claire's

she prepared to launch into a heated

she couldn't tarnish it with

her eyes briefly before opening them

she stated flatly, her voice devoid of the usual edge

Claire's sudden calmness, but before he could respond, she turned and walked away, leaving him with a