New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 100

Chapter 100 What if I say no?

Alex's eyes widened as he recognized her.

It was the one and only Claire Peterson

she was the one who had requested to see him, but he couldn't fathom why.

"Claire," he said, frowning. "What are you doing here?"

Claire stood up, her smile unwavering. "I'm sorry to Interrupt your time, but I wanted to talk to you, Alex."

Alex narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest. "What do you want to talk about?"

"I think it's better if we sit," Claire suggested, gesturing to the chairs around the table.

Alex's eyes shifted to Matthew, who had been standing quietly with a serious expression. He looked familiar. Suddenly, Alex remembered where he had seen the manbetone, Matthew was the same person he had noticed at the club a few months ago Contusion washed over him

Why would Claire bring This man to his office if she wanted to talk?

Claire introduced Matthew. "This is Matthew, my advisor."

Alex raised his eyebrows, not particularly Interested in Matthew but still puzzled by his presence.

at the head of the table, his frown

their seats as well. Claire leaned forward slightly, her demeanor calm yet purposeful. "Alex, I know you must be wondering why

his tone

will to not rolled her eyes and try to remain as civil

point, Claire. I have a lot

Alex I'm here to discuss the collaboration

let alone bring it up so directly. "Oh, that," he muttered, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. His eyes darted to Matthew, indicating his uncertainty about discussing this in front of him. "Don't

buying himself

thoughts. "Alright, well, I'm still thinking about

due respect, Alex, I've given you time to consider. We

confidence faltering underClaire's unwavering stare. "It's not that simple, Claire. There are factors to consider," he said, Elasping for

she stared into his eyes directly.

the right words to

to me few weeks ago." Alex couldn't help but feel taken aback by her compliment as he knows Claire hates him so giving him compliments was

answering "I've never seen a hotel venture into this kind of concept before. It's intriguing," she said simply. Despite Claire's compliment, Alex remained skeptical. He couldn't shake the feeling

more cooperative, given that he had suggested the concept and set up the meeting in the first place. "I came because I thought you would be interested in

question, his words laced with frustration. "Why do you want us to

tightened on her lap, her nails digging into her skin as she suppressed her angen she met his gaze evenly. "I see the potential benefits of this business deal, despite my personal feelings towards you," she explained. "JackWinston was the one who persuaded me to

news for him, the opportunity for a lucrative business deal, but working with Claire, despite her willingness to set aside their personal animosity, raised red flags

Alex finally asked, breaking the silence that hung between

Alex," she replied evenly. "But I believe in your idea, and 1 think

but he held his tongue. Claire could feel his disapproval, but she

you need, aside from