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 amusement and

some inexplicable reason, he had. held back and let Claire win. Despite the competitive

to his own face.

of the auction, and Claire's spirits soared as

couldn't help but sigh happily as she

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

with satisfaction. "What can I say?

surprise. "But spending this much

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." Curiosity

them parked in the basement of my penthouse. A Porsche and a Ferrari, a perfect

for that Ferrari? It seemed like a competitive bid." Claire's smirk turned into a knowing smile. "That would be

widened in surprise.

Claire nodded.

who wanted to have

Claire nodded again.

know it was

voice from

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

her presence known, sidled up to the

Lisa remarked casually, her tone tinged with

help but respond. "Luck had nothing to do

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

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

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

over her chest, Claire looked up at Alex 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.

her demeanor cool. "Are you

"What do you mean?"

me? Did I hear that wrong? Cause I'm sure Lisa would have

"Why were you so keen

so easily?" Claire

of them gazes at each other eyes with unreadable

but feel a