New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 172 Discussion

Claire looked at him, considering his suggestion. "A press conference?"

Alex nodded his head. "Yes. Press conference is a-"

Claire cut him off before he could finish. "I know what a press conference is," she said, frowning.

Alex paused, puzzled. "Then why did you ask?"

Claire rolled her eyes. "I wasn't asking. I was just thinking out loud. And I don't think it's a good idea."

Alex raised his eyebrows, intrigued. "Why do you think it's a bad idea?"

Claire opened her mouth, then closed it again, unable to find the right words.

Alex leaned forward slightly. "What is it then?"

Claire turned away, gazing out the large window of her penthouse. "I don't want to clarify it."

Alex's expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. "You don't want people to know whether we're married or not."

Claire nodded, and for some reason, hearing it aloud caused a pang of hurt inside Alex. He cleared his throat, clenching his fist on his thigh to steady himself. "If you want your company's stock market to stabilize, you have to agree to the press conference." Claire sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I know."

Silence filled the room as they both processed the situation. Claire finally looked up at Alex. "If we decide to ignore all the gossip, will it affect our future projects?"

Alex considered her question. "It will affect them in some way, but not to the point of ruining us. Investors will probably question it before investing."

Claire frowned, deep in thought. "I hate the idea of airing our personal lives in public. But I also don't want the company to suffer."

sometimes, we have to do

her chair, a thoughtful look on her face. The upcoming press conference was weighing heavily on her

if we hold a

the news about us," he replied, leaning forward

give too much detail," she said, her voice firm.

He understood her need for

we should discuss this more when your secretary, my secretary and Matthew

him. His ears perked up and he couldn't help but ask, "Why is Matthew always involved in anything related

at his question. "Why are you asking?" she replied, slightly puzzled by his

from the table and took a sip, trying to appear casual. "I'm just

Alex. "I trust Matthew completely," she explained. "He needs to

laced with sarcasm. "That's a bit too much,

tone, reaching for her own cup of tea. She took a sip and then placed it back on the table. "Matthew has been with me for a long time," she continued. "He knows me well, sometimes better than I know myself." Alex couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. "But isn't it risky to depend so much on a

long time and yes maybe depending on him

silence as Alex processed her words. He wanted to push the topic

more into detail when

all the social media posts?" Alex shrugged, a look of frustration crossing his face. "I've ordered my Pl to investigate, but so far, I haven't gotten any answers." He

her expression thoughtful. "Who

paused, lost in thought. After

"Honestly,

glanced at her, his concern evident. "My parents are really worried about you, Claire. They saw how you were mobbed by paparazzi and journalists.

"I'm thankful for their concern, Alex. But I'm fine. Really." She offered a small,

on them. Claire finally stood up, her movements graceful. "I hope this whole

she finished

saw it was

for days,

him because