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,"

as it can be a sight

and excitement, each

enough, a slight smirk tugged at Alex's lips as he admired the painting. It wasn't 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 living room, sipping

why

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

Alex replied calmly, "I changed my mind. I

fleeting as she glanced at

settling onto the nearby couch, her attention already drifting to other

his penthouse. It was not just a piece of art but a symbol of his victory in

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 the

"Yes, that

for you from Liz," the other man explained, gesturing to the painting

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

in," she invited them, opening the door

her bid her goodbye

painting near the couch as instructed by Claire. Once they were done, they bid and left, leaving Claire alone with the

covering the painting. Her expression transformed from curiosity to astonishment as

mum's painting that Liz

is clearly

the details of the painting, her eyes fell upon a small envelope tucked discreetly at

It was from Liz, expressing her gratitude for Claire's help and mentioning how happy the children were Claire's heart warmed at

Claire to have the painting as a token of their appreciation, assuring her

touched by the thoughtfulness of Liz and the children. Making a mental note to give Liz a heartfelt phone call later, Claire

intending to deliver some news about her parents' grave site. However, his steps faltered as he

Claire turned to him, a hint of melancholy in her eyes. "Oh,

painting with genuine interest.

Claire nodded.

he commented, admiring the

touching her