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 things

thoughtful look on her face. The upcoming press conference was weighing

we should talk about if we hold a

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

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

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

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

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

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

appear casual.

Alex. "I trust Matthew completely," she explained.

"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 person

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

Alex processed her words.

into detail when they

forward, her curiosity evident. "Alex, do you know who is behind all the social media posts?" Alex shrugged, a look of frustration

nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Who do you think

paused, lost in thought.

he sighed deeply. "Honestly,

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

"I'm thankful for

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

she finished

rang. She glanced down and saw it was a call

Claire for days,

ignoring him