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 mixture of

indeed afford to bid much higher, even £900,000,000 or more for the Ferrari F40, but for some inexplicable reason, he had. held back and let Claire win.

to his own face.

and Claire's

happily as she made her way

like you've outdone yourself this time" he remarked, his tone

eyes sparkling with satisfaction. "What can I say? Being a billionaire

"But spending this much on a

playing along with the banter, "It's all about the lifestyle, Matthew. And besides, owning classic cars is a part of my investment portfolio." Curiosity piqued, Matthew asked, "So, what are you going to

in the basement of my penthouse.

the best of hitn. "By the way, who were you bidding against for that Ferrari? It seemed like a competitive bid."

eyes widened in

Claire nodded.

one who wanted to

Claire nodded again.

did you know it

know that voice from anywhere. Anyway, I'll be right

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

known, sidled up to the

Ferrari, huh?" Lisa remarked casually,

nothing to do with

in the car. He was just playing around to drive up the price." Lisa persisted; her

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

the ladies' room and headed back to the auction area.

with a sarcastic smile. "Well, well, looks like you've mistaken me for someone else. I'm not Lisa, in case

who you are, Claire.

scoffed in disbelief; her demeanor

"What do you mean?"

I'm sure Lisa would have a heart attack if she

his eyes. "Why were you so keen to buy

so easily?" Claire lips

at each other eyes

but feel a mix