New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 212 On the Move

Alex stepped inside the room, still struggling to believe that his childhood friend was the one who had won the competition. "Since when are you into robots?" he asked, his voice full of curiosity. Abigail chuckled, the sound light and familiar. "I've always been into robots, Alex. You just never noticed."

Claire, who had been observing their encounter with a confused expression, finally spoke up. "Do you two know each other?" she asked, her tone curious but with a hint of detachment. Alex almost forgot that Claire was in the room. "Oh, yeah," he said, turning towards her. "We're childhood friends."

Claire nodded her head slowly, her expression unreadable. "Oh," was all she said, her tone indicating that she didn't really care. "Well, now that the introduction is over, we can go over the details."

For the next two hours, they discussed the robots that would be used in Alex's hotel. Abigail was clearly passionate about her work, and Alex found himself impressed by her knowledge.

He leaned forward, looking at the designs she had presented. "These are great, Abigail," he said. "But could you make another design that fits better with the hotel's theme?"

Abigail nodded a confident smile on her face. "Of course, Alex. I'll send you the new design as soon as it's ready."

Claire, who had been watching their interaction with a slight frown, couldn't help but feel a pang of irritation. As far as she remembered, Alex had never mentioned Abigail before. But then again, she reminded herself, back then, Alex couldn't stand her. It made sense that he wouldn't share anything personal with her. Not that she cared.

"Alright," Claire said, interrupting the moment. "I'll contact the robot company in Japan and ask them if they can proceed with our order."

When the meeting was finally over, Claire stood up and extended her hand to Abigail. "Thank you for coming, and for working with us," she said, her tone polite but distant.

Abigail nodded, shaking Claire's hand. "The pleasure is mine," she replied.

Claire didn't even glance at Alex as she left the room, her mind already moving on to the next task. As the door closed behind her, Abigail turned to Alex, a curious look on her face. "Do you and Claire does not like each other?" she asked, pointing out the obvious tension. Alex shrugged, trying to downplay it. "That's just the way she is."

Abigail gave him a knowing look but didn't push further. Instead, she smiled and said, "Your feedback means a lot to me, Alex. I'm glad you like the design."

really amazing work, Abigail. You've come a long way since we were

"Thanks, Alex." She glanced at her watch and suddenly looked apologetic. "I need to

forming on his face. "Did she force you into it

laughed, shaking her head. "Not this time. I actually

Alex said, still smiling as she gathered her things and headed for the

him one last smile

made his way to her office and knocked on the door. A simple "Come in." greeted him from the other side. He pushed the door open and saw Claire sitting at her desk, surrounded by paperwork. Claire barely looked up from her work. "What do you want?" she

frustration rise within him. It seemed like every conversation with Claire was a battle. "I just wanted to talk," he said,

his with a mixture of impatience and indifference. "We just talked earlier, Alex.

in her room for days, staring blankly at the walls. Ever since she was fired from her job, she felt like her life had fallen apart. She had lost her job, her dignity, and

lay in front of

and composed, made Lisa's

owned the world.

picked up a pair of scissors and carefully cut along the edges of the photograph: The sound of the scissors slicing through the paper was sharp and satisfying, matching the anger simmering inside her. When she

discarded on the

harsh bursts. "I hate you," she whispered to the headless image. "I hate you

than the last. How had Claire ruined her life so thoroughly? What more did she want? Why couldn't she just disappear? A single thought pierced

the only way Lisa

room until they landed on a small knife lying on her bedside table. Without hesitation, she grabbed it and tucked it inside her hoodie, the

headed downstairs, her footsteps quick and purposeful. Her mother's voice called

even pause as she reached the front door, yanked it open, and

dresses. She had an important event coming up this week, and even though she normally would skip events like this, this time she have to attend,

had been awkward, as usual. Claire disliked how Alex always seemed to pry into her life, asking