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."

tough decision. But sometimes, we

look on her

we should talk about if we hold a press conference?" she asked,

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

detail," she said, her voice firm. "I still prefer to keep

agreement. He understood her need for privacy. "I

your secretary, my secretary and

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

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

appear casual. "I'm just curious," he said, his voice light but his eyes betraying his genuine

"I trust Matthew completely," she explained. "He needs to be

"That's a bit too much, don't

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 risky to depend so much on a person you

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

as Alex processed her words. He wanted to push the topic further

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 crossing his face. "I've ordered my Pl to investigate, but so far, I haven't gotten any

expression thoughtful. "Who do

in thought.

sighed deeply. "Honestly, Khave

glanced at her, his concern evident. "My parents are really worried about you, Claire. They saw how you were mobbed by paparazzi and

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

Claire finally stood up, her movements graceful. "I hope this whole plan can go smoothly,"

she finished

it was a call from Adrian. Adrian

Claire for days, but she

ignoring him