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."

don't hesitate to call me," Adrian added,

though she knew deep down that she probably wouldn't reach out. She didn't want to drag

wind picked up, and Adrian reached out, tucking a loose strand of Claire's hair behind

he said softly, his hand lingering for a moment

Claire replied, her

other goodbye, and Claire watched as Adrian headed toward his car. As his car pulled away from the curb, Claire's driver opened the door for her. Just as she was about

the shadows, was a paparazzo with a camera aimed right at her. Claire sighed,

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

all the answers. The weight of her purpose hung heavy

had one

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

without an ID, there was no way she'd get past those metal gates.

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

But she wasn't

reception desk.

briefly to Lisa's hoodie-covered head, and though she raised an eyebrow slightly, she remained professional. After all, dealing with all sorts of people was part of the job. "Good morning," the receptionist greeted her, still smiling.

need to see Claire... I mean, Ms. Peterson," Lisa said, her hands buried deep in her hoodie pockets, fiddling with the fabric

Ms. Peterson?" The receptionist's smile didn't

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

flickered with doubt. "I'm sorry, but we have a new protocol. Even friends of Ms. Peterson need an appointment to

dramatic. "Come on, I'm really