New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 38

Chapter 38 Congratulations

"£300,000,000," Claire calling out.

The bids escalated rapidly as both Alex and Claire, fueled by determination and perhaps a touch of competitiveness, continued to raise

the stakes.

Alex rose again, this time to £678,000,000.

Claire turned and spotted Alex sitting 4 rows from behind. She scoffed in disbelief and Alex smirked as he gazed into her eyes.

"£750,000,000.

The collective gasp from the crowd was palpable as the bidding war between bidder number 32 (Claire) and bidder number 67 (Alex) intensified.

"Woah the stakes are getting higher and higher. It's like watching Liverpool vs Arsenal."

The guest chuckled at the jokes but still focusing their attention on Alex and Claire.

The tension in the room was palpable.

Claire drummed her finger anxiously on her thigh hoping that Alex to not continue to bid.

The room was silent, not even a breath could be hear.

Just when it seemed like Claire might accept defeat, the host paused dramatically. "Going once, going twice..." he began, drawing out the suspense.

Claire's heart raced as she waited for the final call, but then the host added, "The Ferrari F40 is sold to bidder number 32!"

The room erupted into applause as Claire jumped from her seat, a wide grin spreading across her face. She hugged Matthew tightly, her excitement obvious. The crowd's applause only added to the celebratory atmosphere.

Lisa, seated next to Alex, couldn't help but frown at him. "Why didn't you keep bidding? You clearly have the money," she remarked, curious about Alex's sudden hesitation Alex shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I did it on purpose, to raise the stakes," he admitted with a playful smirk.

Lisa chuckled, seeing through Alex's competitive strategy. "Well, Claire certainly looks thrilled with her new car."

with a

£900,000,000 or more for the Ferrari F40, but for some inexplicable reason, he had. held back and let

to his own face.

Claire's

happily as she made her

outdone yourself this time" he remarked, his tone

"What can

"But spending this much on

is a part of my investment portfolio." Curiosity piqued, Matthew asked, "So, what

drifted thoughtfully. "I'll have them parked in the basement

curiosity got the best of hitn. "By the way, who were you bidding against for that Ferrari? It seemed like a competitive bid." Claire's smirk turned into a knowing smile. "That would

eyes widened in surprise. "The

Claire nodded.

to have a meeting

Claire nodded again.

you know it was

chuckled softly. "Oh, I know that voice from anywhere. Anyway,

Claire made her way to the ladies' room to freshen up. As she touched up her makeup, she heard the door open and none other than Lisa walked in. Claire resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the sight of her old best friend but focused on

known, sidled up to the sink next to Claire and began

huh?" Lisa remarked casually, her tone tinged with a hint of

but respond. "Luck had nothing to do

even interested in the car. He was just playing around to drive

your own boyfriend, Lisa? The Ferrari F40 is every rich man's dream. It's not about

that, Claire exited the ladies' room and headed back to the auction area. However, she was taken aback when she found

arms over her chest, Claire looked up at Alex with a sarcastic smile. "Well, well, looks

you are, Claire. And

scoffed in disbelief; her demeanor cool.

"What do you mean?"

are here congratulating me? Did I hear that wrong? Cause I'm sure Lisa would have a heart

you so keen to buy the

easily?" Claire lips curl

at each

a final glance back at Alex, Claire couldn't help but feel a mix