New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 40

Chapter 40 The confrontation

"Gretta, you don't look happy seeing me here.

"N-no, I was just surprised. I wasn't expecting to see you." Gretta chuckled awkwardly as she set her magazine down.

Robert quickly made his way to where Claire stood at the backyard entrance. "Claire, it's been a while," a hint of formality in his tone.

Claire's smirk was barely concealed as she basked in their surprised reactions. "Indeed, it has," she replied smoothly, taking a moment to soak in the atmosphere of the backyard.

"The last time I was here, I don't remember this furniture and statue Gretta, did you have it redecorate?"

"Um...well, you know me, I like to make everything perfect."

Robert, growing impatient, interjected. "So, Claire, what brings you here today?"

Claire raised an eyebrow, her gaze looking onto Robert's. "We need to talk," she stated firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Robert glanced at Gretta before calling for the maid to bring their son, Mick, inside. Claire took a seat on the couch in the backyard without waiting for an invitation, her posture exuding confidence. Gretta and Robert shared a look, Robert's eyes conveying a message to Gretta to keep calm and not escalate the situation. Claire observed their silent communication with a keen eye.

"Please have a seat. Don't be shy this is your house anyway," Claire invited Robert and Gretta to sit.

Lisa, observing the tension, crossed her legs and fixed her gaze on each of them in turn. Her eyes were sharp, like a snake assessing its

prey.

Breaking the silence, Robert addressed Claire. "What is it that you need to talk about?"

Claire leaned back on the couch, a contemplative expression on her face. "The house," she began cryptically.

Robert and Gretta exchanged puzzled glances. "What about the house?" Robert inquired, his tone guarded. Claire's gaze sharpened as she continued. "I mean my parents' house. Did you sell it?"

tense silence hung in the air as Robert and Gretta froze, their expressions betraying a mix of

cleared his throat,

trying to maintain composure.

do you mean by

"They are the current owners of the house that once belonged to my parents. Does that ring a bell to either of you?" Gretta shifted uncomfortably in her seat, glancing at Robert for guidance. Robert's jaw tightened as he processed

expression remained unreadable as she absorbed their reactions. "Interesting," she murmured, her mind already piecing together the puzzle. "I

Claire faced Robert and Gretta, her arms crossed

me about the house," Claire began, her voice cold

he relented,

H

she demanded, her tone sharp and accusatory. Robert struggled to find

intensity. "You sold my parents' house without my consent, Robert. That's not acceptable. And to sell it at

fists, trying to control his rising anger. "We needed to move on,

silent until now, interjected nervously. "Claire, we thought that you were dead along with your parents and we don't want to be sad all the time.

deepened at Gretta's reasoning. "That's no excuse," my family, Gretta, what about

of things

in surprise. She opened her mouth

was both knowing and triumphant. "I thought

to defend himself, his tone defensive. "I

to her husband, her expression a mix

the Robertson Mansion after all it only makes sense since you two sold my parents' house?" a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes. Gretta's eyes widened in alarm, and she leaned forward, almost pleading "Claire, please... We'll do anything, but don't

an eyebrow, her attention momentarily diverted to her impeccably polished nails. She enjoyed the power play, knowing she had the upper hand

looked at his wife incredulously, surprised

single brow, her expression unreadable. "Alright, I won't take the house," she conceded,

she continued, "But I

in

words cut of short by Robert as

we agree. We will give you back your mother jewelry but