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."

we have

chair, a thoughtful look on her face. The upcoming

turned to Alex. "What do you think we should talk about if

address the news about us," he replied, leaning forward slightly

her head slightly. "I don't want to give too much detail," she

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

discuss this more when your secretary, my secretary and Matthew

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

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

tea from the table and took a sip, trying to appear casual.

trust Matthew completely," she explained.

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

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 you just met?" he asked, trying

yes maybe depending on him or even trusting

of silence as Alex processed her words.

more into detail

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

"Who

in

deeply. "Honestly, Khave no

it's someone who dislikes both of us." He glanced at her, his concern evident. "My parents are really worried about you,

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

the situation pressing down on them. Claire finally stood up, her movements

as she

phone rang. She glanced down and saw it was a call from Adrian. Adrian had been

days, but she

ignoring him because