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."

as she replied, "I don't want

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

interjected, "No, just head

Adrian repeated, "Hospital, now."

me back to

between them,

back to Claire, his expression serious. "If you don't

she crossed her arms over her chest.

expression softened into a cheeky smile. "Oh, I

her head back against the seat.

towards the hospital. The car ride

the silence. "You know, Adrian, I didn't know you can

the hospital and Claire

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

eyes. "Of course

comfortably in

her tea while watching TV Suddenly, a gossip news segment

het

Claire and Adrian at a restaurant. As they exited the place, Claire stumbled

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

sipped her tea, feeling a

over her. Seeing Claire in such an awkward situation made her day. For the past few days, Claire had been the target of various rumors and scandals, and

much as she did.

she...is a part of London High Socialite? Gag

I'm sure she paid her way in.

until she found Lisa's name. With a mischievous grin, she pressed the

Claire falling?" Gretta asked immediately,

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

it!" Gretta urged, a gleeful tone in