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."

tough decision. But sometimes, we have to do things we don't

chair, a thoughtful look on her face.

do you think we should talk about if we hold a press conference?" she asked,

"We should obviously address the news about us," he replied, leaning forward slightly as

to give too much detail," she said, her voice firm. "I still prefer to keep

for privacy. "I want the same thing," he

this more when your secretary, my secretary

curiosity got the better of him. His ears perked up and he couldn't help but ask, "Why

raised her brows at his question. "Why are you asking?" she replied, slightly

appear casual. "I'm just curious," he said, his voice light but his eyes betraying his genuine

firmly on Alex. "I trust Matthew completely," she explained. "He

was laced with sarcasm. "That's a bit too much, don't

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 person you just met?" he asked, trying to keep his

"As I said earlier, I had known Matthew for a long time and yes maybe depending on him or even trusting him can be

as Alex processed her words. He wanted to push

more into detail

forward, her curiosity evident. "Alex, do you know who is behind 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."

thoughtful. "Who do you think did

paused, lost in thought.

"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. They asked me

mask over her emotions. "I'm thankful for their concern, Alex. But I'm fine. Really." She

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

she finished

glanced down and saw it was a call from Adrian. Adrian had

days, but

him