New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 206 Getting Caught

Claire and Adrian chose seats at the very end of the table, far from the gossiping women who filled the space with their relentless chatter. Adrian glanced at Claire, noting her choice. He assumed she wanted to distance herself from the gossip mill, and honestly, he couldn

blame her. They might be part of the London High Socialite (LHS), but when it came to gossip, everyone was the same, no matter their background.

Lunch proceeded smoothly, with Adrian sticking close to Claire's side. As the plates were cleared and members began to trickle out one by one, Adrianna, Adrian's mother, led the way out of the private room with Claire and Adrian following behind.

The three of them strolled out of the restaurant, where the midday sun greeted them warmly. Adrianna turned to Claire with a motherly smile that always seemed to put Claire at ease. "Take care of yourself, dear. You look like you've lost some weight," she said, her tone gentle but with a hint of concern.

Claire nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Thank you for inviting me to lunch, Adrianna," she replied politely.

Adrianna waved her hand dismissively as if brushing off the formalities. "Oh, nonsense! You're part of the LHS, Claire. You're expected at every event or meeting, so you might as well get used to it."

Claire chuckled softly, feeling a little more at ease. "Well, thank you for saving me earlier from April's question. I owe you one."

Adrianna laughed, a twinkle in her eye. "What are friends for, darling? If I can't rescue you from a nosy question, what good am I?"

Adrianna then turned to her son, her tone shifting into that of a mother issuing instructions. "I'll be waiting in the car, Adrian. Don't keep me waiting too long."

Adrian nodded, smiling at his mother before she made her way to the car waiting at the curb. As she walked away, Adrian turned his attention back to Claire. A playful grin spread across his face, and he let out an exaggerated sigh. "Sooo..." Claire couldn't help but mimic his tone, dragging out her own sigh. "Soo0..."

Adrian chuckled, clearly amused. "It's really nice to see you, Claire."

She smiled in return. "You too, Adrian."

hesitate to

down that she probably wouldn't reach out. She didn't want to drag Adrian into the whirlwind that was her

picked up, and Adrian reached out,

softly, his hand lingering for a moment before

her voice just as

away from the curb, Claire's driver opened the door for her. Just as she was

right at her. Claire sighed,

her breath about the lack of privacy, she climbed into the car, determined not to let it bother

her face, head down as if the pavement held all the answers. The weight of her purpose hung heavy on her shoulders, and her

had one

Metacortex and confront Claire. But as she approached the sleek, glassy facade of the

footstep. Lisa's eyes zeroed in on the lifts at the far end. She knew that without an ID, there was no way she'd get past those metal gates. And if she tried to brute-force her way in, the security team

stupid ID scanners," Lisa muttered under her breath. Of all

Lisa to curse her former friend. But she wasn't about to let a little inconvenience stop her.

reception desk.

After all, dealing with all

I mean, Ms. Peterson," Lisa said, her hands

with Ms. Peterson?" The receptionist's smile didn't waver, though her tone became slightly

her head but quickly added, "No, but I'm a friend of Claire's. She's expecting

"I'm sorry, but we have a new protocol. Even friends of

"Come on, I'm really