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."

nodded in understanding. "It's a tough decision. But sometimes, we have to do things we

thoughtful look on her face. The upcoming press

if we hold a press

about us," he replied, leaning forward

too much detail," she said, her voice

understood her need for privacy. "I want the same

more when your secretary,

His ears perked up and

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

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

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

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

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

had known Matthew for a long time and yes maybe depending on him or even trusting

as Alex processed her words. He wanted to push

more into detail when they are all

you know who is behind all the social media posts?" Alex shrugged, a look of

"Who do

in thought.

he sighed deeply. "Honestly, Khave no idea. But

like it's someone who dislikes both of us." He glanced at her, his concern evident. "My parents are really worried about you, Claire. They saw how you were mobbed by paparazzi and journalists. They

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

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

she finished

down and saw it was a call from Adrian. Adrian had

Claire for days, but

ignoring him