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."

need anything, don't hesitate to

to drag Adrian into the whirlwind

picked up, and Adrian reached out, tucking a loose strand of

of yourself," he said softly, his hand lingering for a

her voice

pulled away from

was a paparazzo with a camera aimed right at her. Claire sighed, rolling her eyes. Seriously? She wasn't even a celebrity! Why on earth

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

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

had one

sleek,

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 would

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

to curse her former friend. But she wasn't about to let a little inconvenience stop her. With a deep breath, she straightened up and made her

reception desk.

flicked 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. "How may I

said, her hands buried deep in her hoodie pockets, fiddling with

The receptionist's smile didn't waver, though

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

remained fixed, but her eyes flickered with doubt. "I'm sorry, but we have a new protocol. Even friends of Ms.

so dramatic. "Come on, I'm really close with Claire. She'd be