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."

in understanding. "It's a tough decision. But sometimes, we have to do things we don't

her face. The upcoming press conference

about if we hold

address the news about us," he replied,

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

her need for privacy. "I want the

more when your secretary, my secretary and

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

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

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

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

with sarcasm. "That's a bit too much,

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

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 to doubt him," she said

words. He wanted

discuss more into detail when they

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

nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Who do you think did

lost in thought. After

deeply. "Honestly,

parents are really worried about you, Claire. They saw how you were mobbed by paparazzi and journalists. They asked me to check

emotions. "I'm thankful for their concern, Alex. But

Claire finally stood up, her movements

she finished

glanced down and saw it was a call from

Claire for days, but she

ignoring him because