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.

ever the peacemaker, decided to lighten the atmosphere. "Clain, this is Lisa, Alex's fiancée," she introduced, trying

Dwo women

in place, but there was a glint in her eyes that didn't escape Lisa's notice, making her feel easy, Joan then gestured to the butler to contine serving the meal to Claire, ensuring she felt welcome despite the unexpectedness other arrival As the food was served, Claire thanked the butler graciously and picked up her knite and

are you doing dear?" Joan

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

with a reassuring smile. "Oh, don't worry about

easiest," There was a mischievous glint in her eyes that didn't go unnoticed by Alex, who scaled lightly

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

mother." the admitted,

line of work did you

the table. "I've been working at a café

her cheeks

their time working together at the same café flashed through bermind Lisa had a sneaky idea brewing in her

directing her words towards Michael, "chaice worked at the same

of her steak, paused mid-air, he took hovering over the plate. Her expression remained composed, but there was a thicker of surprise

slowly, meeting Lisa's gaze with a knowing look "Yes, I did work at the caté as a waitress," Claire continued, a

didn't you ever mention this,

nodded, her demeanor composed. "That was before grandfather

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

found out about the real Claire. But the question

Christian was the snitch, but he knows his best friend that he

knowing smile. "I'm glad you asked, Mr. Hasting very well," she replied cryptically. Lisa, still trying topice things together, furrowed

H

intervened, a hint of waming in his tone

took a sip of his wine, his eyes flickering between Claire and Alex. "Metacontes is one of the biggest technology and software companies in the