New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 67

Chapter 67 What's Metacortes?

The dining room fell into a momentary hush as the guest's entrance drew everyone's attention

"Am interupting something?" she asked with achamming smile, her eyes scanning the room

Alex's eyes widened in surprise, a shiver running down Lisa's spine as they both recognized the guest. Lisa's grip tightened on the fork in her hand, her unease

palpable

Joan's expression miriored the shockin alex's eyes, while Michael remained impassive, having been the one to invite Claire to join them. Rising from his seat with polite composure, Michael greted Claire warmly. "Not at all, Claire We were just starting. Please, have a seat next to joan."

brought you your favorite chocolate. Thope you don't mind." Clalar said as she handed joan about ciocolate.

joan accepted it with grisine surprise and gratitude, placing it delicately on the rahle beside her.

"Oh, dear, you shouldn't. Is this imported straight from Switzerland?" Joan asked as she stared at the box of chocolate on the table.

Claire nodded with a smile. "Indeed, it is I know you don't eat random chocolate."

"Thank you my dear, have a seat please."

Taking the offered seat next to Joan and across from Lisa, Claire maintained her pleasant demeanor, feigning innocence as she addressed Lisa, "oh, who's this?" she asked, her tone laced with faux surprise.

Alex, however, couldn't contain his anger, standing pabruptly, he turned to his father, his voice edged with frustration. "What's the meaning of this, Dad?" Michael's tone remained cool as he reprimanded his son "Sit down, Alex Don't embarass yourself in front of our guest".

Lisa tugged at Alex's sleeve, silently urging him to calm down and old escalating the situation. With a resized sigh, Alex complied, taking his seat but his expression rained stem.

this is Lisa, Alex's fiancée," she introduced, trying to bridge the awkward

Dwo women

meal to Claire, ensuring she felt welcome despite the unexpectedness other arrival As

you doing dear?"

with anaplin, Claire replied smoothly, "I've been doing well, thank you, I

off her apology with a reassuring smile. "Oh, don't worry about that, Claire. I understand it must have been a challenging time for

added, "Indeed, it wasn't the easiest," There was a mischievous glint in her

Michael who broke the silence with a curious inquiry directed at isa. "So, Lisa, where did you go to college? Michael's tone was friendly, seeking to leam more about Lou's background. Lasa, slightly caught off guard by the question, hesitated

to my mother." the

line of work did you

her fingers fidgeting slightly under the table. "I've been working

her cheeks flushing

but steal a glance at Claire, seated across from her. Memories of their time working together at the same café flashed through bermind Lisa had a sneaky idea brewing

up, directing her words towards Michael, "chaice

of her steak, paused mid-air, he took hovering over the plate. Her expression remained composed, but there was a thicker of surprise in her eyes at Lisa's unexpected revelation Michael turned his attention to clase, intrigued "oh,

a knowing look "Yes, I did work at the caté as

didn't you ever mention this, late? We thought you were

demeanor composed. "That was before grandfather

witha question that made Alextense in his seat. "How is Metacortex,

father has found out about the real Claire. But the question till lingers in his mind, how does his father found out

help but wonder if Christian was the snitch, but he knows his best

smile. "I'm glad you asked, Mr. Hasting very well," she replied

H

hint of waming in his tone as he

his wine, his eyes flickering between Claire and Alex. "Metacontes is one of the biggest technology and