New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 33

Chapter 33 A successful night

Anna gently tugged on Claire's arm, leading her away from the crowd with a slight frown on her face.

"Claire, can I be honest with you?" Anna's voice was soft but serious.

Claire glanced at her friend, curious about what was on her mind. "Of course, Anna What's on your mind?"

"I don't like Lisa," Anna admitted, her expression turning sour. "She just seems so fake, always putting on a show. "

Claire chuckled lightly, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "I didn't realize you noticed that, Anna.

Anna raised an eyebrow. "You didn't think I would?"

wry smile on her lips. "I suppose I underestimated your observational skills, Anna. I guess being an actress

Claire shook her head, a wr has its own perks."

Curiosity glinted in Anna's eyes as she probed further. "What's the deal with you two, anyway?"

Claire let out a sigh, her expression growing serious. "It's a long story, Anna. But let's just say she's not exactly genuine. Always seeking attention and playing up to people's expectations and also a backstabbing friend. " Anna was taken aback by the revelation. "Oh, you are friend?"

"I wouldn't say friend per se, but we were in a way.

Anna nodded understandingly. "I get it. Well, whenever you're ready to share more, I'm all ears."

Claire smiled gratefully at her friend. "Thank you, Anna. One day, I'll fill you in on all the details."

Alex sat beside Lisa, who was still visibly upset. She vented about her dislike for Claire, expressing her frustrations through tears. "I just can't stand her, Alex. She's always trying to one-up everyone." Alex listened attentively, though his mind was elsewhere. Despite Lisa's emotional outpouring, his thoughts kept circling back to Claire. It was almost as if he couldn't

she noticed

to attention, offering Lisa a reassuring smile "Sorry, babe. I was just

slightly expressing her skepticism.

to delve into the complexities

with questions about Claire's sudden involvement in the charity event. He knew

for her to organize such

Alex muttered to himself, more to

Lisa.

distant demeanor. "Alex, are you

nodded quickly, fabricating a response to put Lisa's mind at ease. "Yes,

if it was part of a larger scheme to advance her own agenda. The charity event continued its lively course as Claire navigated

my mother's last painting tonight," Claire said warmly as she approached Liz, her eyes

Liz smiled warmly

painting, a beautiful and poignant piece that held sentimental value for her.

a hand on Claire's arm. "Claire, such paintings are meant to be shared and appreciated, not kept hidden away Please, take it as a token of our friendship and as a reminder of your mother's talent." Claire hesitated, touched

it. It's been the source

nodded understandingly, but her eyes held

understand your concern, Claire. However, inspiration can come from various sources, not just a finished painting. The children will benefit greatly from the funds raised tonight, and this is the least I can do to thank you for your contributions to the club and the charity." Claire mulled over Liz's words, her heart torn between the children's needs and the sentimental value of

but I want to make sure it's the right decision. I don't want to take something that meant

children and I will be very happy if you decide to take

and Claire exchanged farewells, promising

Claire turned to leave, Matthew nudged her shoulder gently. "Today was a success, Claire.

praise. "Thank you, Matthew. And thank you for all your help. It wouldn't have been possible

H