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."

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

her face. The upcoming press conference was weighing heavily on her

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

about us," he replied, leaning forward

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

in agreement. He understood her need for privacy. "I

secretary, my

His ears perked up and he

question. "Why are you asking?" she replied, slightly

and took a sip, trying to appear casual. "I'm just curious," he said, his voice light

set her gaze firmly on Alex. "I trust Matthew completely," she

was laced with sarcasm. "That's

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

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

was a moment of silence as Alex processed her words. He wanted to push the

more into detail when they are

Claire said with a nod. "We need to make sure we are all on the same page 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 haven't gotten any answers." He rubbed

thoughtful. "Who do you

lost in thought.

"Honestly,

are really worried about you, Claire. They saw how you were mobbed by paparazzi and journalists.

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

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

as she finished her

and saw it was a call from

Claire for days, but she

ignoring him because