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."

watching Claire with a mixture of amusement

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. Despite the competitive nature of the auction and his initial desire to bid, seeing Claire's joyous expression

to his own face.

evening was aglow with the excitement of the auction, and Claire's

as she made her way out

yourself this time" he

with satisfaction. "What can I say? Being a

feigning surprise. "But spending

smicked, playing along with the banter, "It's all about the lifestyle, Matthew. And besides, owning classic cars is a part of my investment portfolio."

basement of my

you bidding against for that Ferrari? It seemed like a competitive bid." Claire's smirk turned into

widened in surprise. "The Alexander

Claire nodded.

who wanted to

Claire nodded again.

you know it

I know that voice from anywhere. Anyway,

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

one to make her presence known, sidled up to the sink next

the Ferrari, huh?" Lisa remarked casually, her tone

help but respond. "Luck had nothing to do with it. I

was just playing around to drive up the price."

The Ferrari F40 is every rich man's dream.

and headed back to the auction area. However, she

with a sarcastic smile. "Well, well, looks like you've mistaken me for someone

who you are, Claire. And congratulations on

disbelief; her demeanor cool. "Are you

"What do you mean?"

that wrong? Cause I'm sure Lisa would have a heart attack if she found out you were congratulating

you so keen

win so easily?" Claire lips curl up

of them gazes at each

at Alex, Claire couldn't help but feel