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."

amazing work, Abigail. You've

at the compliment. "Thanks, Alex." She glanced at her watch and suddenly looked apologetic. "I need to go. I have a lunch

teasing grin forming on

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

have fun," Alex said, still smiling as she gathered her things and

Abigail said, giving him one

was gone, Alex decided he needed to talk to Claire. He 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?"

every conversation with Claire

looked up, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of impatience

had fallen apart. She had lost her

of Claire lay in front

worn from the countless times Lisa had picked it up, glared at it, and cursed the woman in the image. Claire's smile, so confident and composed, made Lisa's blood boil. She had ruined everything, taken away everything Lisa had worked for, and now she had the

owned the world.

and carefully cut along the edges of the photograph: The sound of the scissors slicing through the paper was sharp and satisfying, matching the

on

stared at the mutilated picture, her breath coming in short, harsh bursts. "I hate you," she whispered to the headless image. "I hate you so much,

How had Claire ruined her life so thoroughly? What more did she want? Why couldn't she just disappear?

was the only way Lisa would ever be

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

quick and purposeful. Her mother's voice called out from

She didn't even pause as she reached the

event coming up this week, and even though she normally would skip events like this, this time she have to attend, since she

usual. Claire disliked how Alex always seemed to pry into her life, asking questions she didn't want to answer.