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."

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

as she noticed his distracted state.

a reassuring

slightly expressing her

Alex replied vaguely, not wanting to delve into the complexities of his thoughts

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

for her to

event?" Alex muttered to himself, more to sort

Lisa.

Alex's distant demeanor. "Alex, are

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

Claire the event organizer, Alex couldn't shake the feeling that Claire was 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 guest.

my mother's last painting tonight,"

Liz smiled warmly

pleasure, Claire. Your mother's art deserves to be celebrated. Claire's gaze shifted to the painting, a beautiful

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."

I can't accept it. It's been the source of inspiration for

her eyes held

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

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

that the children and I will be very happy if

and Claire exchanged farewells, promising to catch

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

you, Matthew. And thank you for all your

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