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."

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

noticed his distracted state. "Are you

back to attention, offering Lisa a reassuring smile "Sorry, babe.

eyes narrowed slightly expressing

work stuff," Alex replied vaguely, not wanting to delve into the

about Claire's sudden involvement

never shown much interest in such affairs during their marriage. It was out of character for

a charity event?" Alex muttered to himself, more to

Lisa.

sensing Alex's distant demeanor. "Alex, are you sure everything's

fabricating a response to put Lisa's mind at ease. "Yes, yes, everything's fine. Just thinking about some

Alex couldn't help but wonder if it was part of a larger scheme to advance her own agenda. The charity event continued its lively course as Claire navigated through the crowd, exchanging

thank you for showcasing my mother's last painting tonight," Claire said warmly as she approached Liz,

Liz smiled warmly

"It's my pleasure, Claire. Your mother's art deserves to be celebrated. Claire's gaze shifted to the painting, a beautiful and poignant piece that held

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

it. It's been the

understandingly, but her eyes held

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

think about it, Liz. It's a generous offer, but I want to make sure it's the

take your time. But know that the children and

Claire exchanged farewells, promising to

nudged her shoulder gently. "Today was a success, Claire. You did a

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

H