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

back in her chair, a thoughtful look on her

"What do you think we should talk about if we hold a press conference?" she asked, her tone

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

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

He understood her need for privacy. "I want

we should discuss this more when your secretary, my secretary

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

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

to appear casual. "I'm

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

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

"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

maybe depending on him or even

her words. He wanted to

into detail when they are all

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 answers." He rubbed his temples, the stress clearly getting

"Who do you think

paused, lost in thought.

"Honestly, Khave

are really worried about you, Claire. They saw how

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

in silence for a moment, the weight of the situation pressing down on them. Claire finally stood up, her movements graceful. "I

as she finished her

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

for days, but

ignoring him because