New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 34

Chapter 34 Unexpected package

The next day, as the clock struck noon, a knock echoed through Alex's penthouse. Annalise's painting, the one he had bid on during the charity event, had arrived. Two burly men maneuvered the large artwork through the doorway, their careful steps ensuring no harm befell the valuable piece.

Lisa, descending the stairs elegantly, arched an eyebrow as she took in the scene. The arrival of such a grand painting was an unusual occurrence in their home "What is all this?" she inquired; her curiosity piqued.

Alex, standing nearby with a sense of anticipation, turned to face Lisa. "It's the painting I bid on last night at the charity event. Annalise painting, remember?" he explained, with a hint of excitement in his voice

Lisa nodded, not particularly invested in the world of art. "Ah, that painting. Looks nice," she remarked before continuing on her way to the kitchen, her attention shifting to other matters.

Meanwhile, Alex directed the two men to carefully hang the painting in the designated spot he had prepared. With practiced hands, they secured it in place, ensuring it was perfectly aligned and showcased in all its glory. Thank you, gentlemen," Alex said appreciatively as the men completed their task and prepared to depart.

Once alone, Alex approached the covered painting, his anticipation growing. With a swift motion, he pulled down the cover, revealing the captivating artwork beneath. The vibrant colors and intricate details of Annalise's creation came to life, filling the room with a sense of artistic brilliance.

"It is even more stunning up close," Alex mused to himself, his gaze lingering on the painting's captivating beauty.

Alex couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction as he gazed at the painting. The memory of the intense bidding war between himself and Claire flashed through his mind.

*£50,000."

"£75,000,"

"£80,000."

"£100,000.

"Going once,

eding twice sold to bidder number 78 for £100,000,"

see her reaction as it can

been a moment of competition and excitement, each bid fueling

just about the artwork itself; it was about the victory, the feeling of accomplishment that came with winning the bidding at £100,000. As Lisa returned to the

why

painting here? I thought you mentioned last night that you'd place it in one of your hotels,"

"I changed my mind. I decided

response, her interest fleeting as she glanced at

yourself," she commented before settling onto the nearby couch, her attention

with his decision to keep the painting in his penthouse. It was not just a piece of art but a symbol of his victory in the bidding war

aside her conversation, she rose to answer it.

piqued. "Yes, that is me.

Liz," the other man explained, gesturing to the

surprise. She wasn't expecting anything especially since she didn't bid any painting last night other than Annalise, but she lost the bid to

in," she invited them,

her bid her goodbye

Claire. Once they were done, they bid

Claire removed the wrapping covering the painting. Her expression transformed from curiosity to astonishment as she took in the artwork before

her mum's painting that

package is clearly unexpected

a closer look. As she admired the details of the painting, her eyes fell upon a small

Liz, expressing her gratitude for Claire's help and mentioning how happy the

explaining that the children wanted Claire to have the painting as a token of their appreciation, assuring her that they didn't mind

as she read the heartfelt letter. She felt touched by the thoughtfulness of Liz and the children. Making a mental note to give Liz a heartfelt phone call later,

about her parents' grave site. However, his steps faltered as

Claire turned to him, a hint of melancholy in her eyes. "Oh, hey, Matt Liz sent me my mother's last painting," she explained, gesturing

joined her on the floor, studying the painting with genuine interest. "Is this the exact painting

Claire nodded.

commented,

her lips. "Yeah, it