New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 176 Downfall

Claire fell to the ground as the paparazzi pushed forward, their cameras flashing incessantly. She winced in pain from the impact.

Adrian, who was beside her, shouted firmly at them, "Back off! Give her some space!"

Two security guards from the restaurant quickly intervened, helping to create a barrier between Claire, Adrian, and the aggressive photographers. They managed to push the paparazzi back, giving Adrian the chance to kneel beside Claire. "Claire, are you okay?" Adrian asked, concern etched on his face.

Claire nodded. "I'm fine. Let's just get out of here."

Claire tried to stand but stumbled, clearly in pain. Adrian didn't waste any time. He picked her up bridal style and carried her to her car. The driver, sensing the urgency, swiftly opened the door for them. Once they were both inside, the driver quickly drove away from the chaotic scene.

Adrian looked at Claire, his worry deepening. "Are you hurt?"

Claire shook her head, trying to downplay the situation. "I'm fine, Adrian. Just a little shaken."

But when Adrian gently touched her foot, Claire winced in pain, unable to hide it.

"Claire, you sprained your ankle," Adrian said, his tone serious. "You need to go to the hospital and get it checked out."

Claire shook her head again, more firmly this time. "No, I don't want to go to the hospital. I'm fine. I just need to rest, put some ice on it, and it'll be back to normal by tomorrow."

Adrian frowned, clearly not convinced. "Claire, you can't just ignore this. What if it's more serious than you think? You need proper medical attention."

Claire met his gaze with a determined look. "Adrian, I know my body. It's just a sprain. Hospitals are a hassle, and I really don't want to deal with it right now."

Adrian sighed, clearly frustrated but trying to stay calm. "Claire, I'm worried about you. What if it's more serious than it looks? We should at least get it checked out."

Claire shook her head again. "I've had sprains before, Adrian. I know how to handle it. Please, just trust me on this."

"You need to go to the hospital and get it treated. It can get worse if you don't."

voice firm as she replied,

didn't seem to hear her. He turned to the driver and said, "Take us to the

quickly interjected, "No, just

Adrian repeated, "Hospital, now."

to my penthouse. I'm your

nervously between

don't go to the

she crossed her arms over her chest. "You

expression softened into a

back against the seat. "Fine," she muttered. "Let's go to

clear direction, started heading towards the hospital. The car ride was tense, with silence hanging

few minutes, Claire broke the silence. "You know, Adrian,

and Claire looked out of

however she just doesn't like the hospital scent and it also remind her of the day when she woke up at the hospital with amnesia. He chuckled besides Claire. "I could say

her eyes. "Of

sat comfortably in

watching TV Suddenly, a gossip

het

the screen. It showed a video of Claire and Adrian at a restaurant. As they

to herself, her eyes gleaming with delight. "If I were Claire, I'd never show my face

her tea, feeling

such an awkward situation made her day. For the past few days, Claire had been the target of various rumors and scandals, and though none of them originated from Gretta, she

much as she did.

High Socialite? Gag me."

High Socialite. I'm sure she paid her way in. London High

and scrolled through her contacts until she found Lisa's name. With a mischievous grin, she pressed the call button. After two beeps, Lisa answered. "Hello?" Lisa's voice

the video of Claire falling?" Gretta

the other end. "No, I haven't. What

a gleeful tone in