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."

decision. But sometimes, we have

sat back in her chair, a thoughtful look on her face. The upcoming press conference was weighing

if we hold a press conference?" she asked, her

didn't hesitate. "We should obviously address the news about

"I don't want to give too much detail," she said, her voice firm. "I still prefer

for privacy.

more when your secretary, my secretary and Matthew are present

perked up and he couldn't help but ask, "Why is Matthew

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

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

trust Matthew completely," she explained. "He needs to be involved in almost all

sarcasm. "That's

chose to ignore his 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

"As 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 he's never given me a reason

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

we can discuss more into detail when they are

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

expression thoughtful. "Who do you

paused, lost in

he sighed deeply. "Honestly,

really worried about you, Claire. They saw how you were mobbed

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

weight of the situation pressing down on them. Claire finally stood up,

she

and saw it was

for days, but she

him