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."

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

called out, growing annoyed as she noticed his distracted state. "Are you even

a reassuring smile "Sorry, babe. I

slightly expressing her skepticism.

work stuff," Alex replied vaguely, not wanting to

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

of character for her to organize such

charity event?" Alex muttered to himself, more to sort out his thoughts than to seek

Lisa.

demeanor. "Alex, are you

mind at ease. "Yes,

up to something. Her sudden involvement in the charity world seemed unexpected, and 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 pleasantries and expressions of gratitude with other

my mother's last painting tonight," Claire said warmly as

Liz smiled warmly

her eyes twinkling with sincerity. "It's my pleasure, Claire. Your mother's art deserves to be celebrated. Claire's gaze shifted to the painting, a beautiful

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

appreciate the gesture, Liz, but I can't accept it. It's been the source of inspiration for the

nodded understandingly, but her eyes held

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

about it, Liz. It's a generous offer, but I want to make sure it's the right decision. I don't want to take something that meant a

the children and I will be

farewells, promising to

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

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

H