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."

Claire with a mixture of amusement

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

to his own face.

excitement of the auction, and Claire's spirits soared as she finalized the purchase of her Porsche

happily as she made her way

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

sparkling with satisfaction. "What can I say? Being

"But

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

thoughtfully. "I'll have them parked in the basement of my penthouse. A Porsche

continued their conversation, Matthew's 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

in surprise. "The Alexander

Claire nodded.

to have a meeting with

Claire nodded again.

did you know it was

I know that voice from anywhere.

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

one to make her presence known, sidled up to the

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

but couldn't help but respond. "Luck had nothing to do

your information, Alex wasn't even interested in the car. He was just playing around to drive up the price." Lisa persisted; her words

turned to face Lisa directly, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Do you even know your own boyfriend, Lisa? The

area. However,

"Well, well, looks like you've mistaken me for someone

exactly who you are, Claire. And congratulations on winning

her demeanor

"What do you mean?"

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

were you so keen

did you let me win so easily?" Claire lips curl up

at each other eyes with unreadable

a final glance back at Alex, Claire couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and annoyance at the turn of