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."

nodded in understanding. "It's a tough decision. But sometimes, we

look on her face.

talk about if we

didn't hesitate. "We should obviously address the news about us," he replied, leaning forward slightly

much detail," she said, her voice

agreement. He understood her need for privacy. "I want the same thing," he

"Maybe we should discuss this more when your secretary, my secretary and Matthew are present so they

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

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

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

set her gaze firmly on Alex. "I trust Matthew completely," she explained. "He needs to

"That's a

continued. "He knows me well, sometimes better than I know myself." Alex couldn't help but feel a

time and yes maybe depending on him or even trusting him can be risky, however he's never given me a reason to doubt him," she said

her words. He wanted to push the topic

we can discuss more into detail when

before arranging the press conference." She then leaned 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

expression thoughtful. "Who

paused, lost in

he sighed deeply. "Honestly, Khave

dislikes both of us." He 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

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

in silence for a moment, the weight of the situation pressing down on them. Claire finally stood up, her movements graceful. "I hope this whole plan can go smoothly," she said,

she finished

down and saw it was a call from Adrian. Adrian

Claire for days,

ignoring him