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,"

her reaction as

had been a moment of competition and excitement,

about the victory, the feeling of accomplishment

why

you mentioned last night that you'd place it in one of your hotels," she remarked, her tone

her, Alex replied calmly, "I changed my mind. I decided I want this

in response, her interest fleeting as she glanced at

commented before settling onto the nearby couch, her attention already

his decision to keep the painting in his penthouse. It was not just a piece of art

Claire's penthouse, the soft hum, of her phone call was interrupted by a sudden knock at the door. Setting aside her conversation, she rose to answer it. Two men stood outside, holding a large, carefully wrapped painting. "Are you Claire Peterson?" one of

curiosity piqued. "Yes, that is

the

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

come in," she invited

her bid her goodbye

men entered and carefully placed the painting near the couch as instructed by Claire. Once they were done, they bid and left, leaving Claire

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

was her mum's painting that

package is clearly unexpected to

gesture, Claire crouched down to get a closer look. As she admired the details of the painting,

envelope, Claire carefully opened it and retrieved the letter inside. It was from Liz, expressing her gratitude for Claire's help and mentioning how happy the children were Claire's heart warmed at

that the children wanted Claire to have the painting as a token

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,

arrived at Claire's penthouse, intending to deliver some news about her parents' grave site. However, his steps faltered

noticed Claire's introspective gaze. Claire turned to him, a hint of melancholy in her eyes. "Oh, hey,

the floor, studying the painting with genuine interest. "Is this the exact painting Liz

Claire nodded.

commented, admiring the intricate details of

touching her