New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 213 Prototype Showing

"What the fuck?!" Lisa spun around, her heart racing as she tried to figure out who had just yanked her away from Claire.

"Quiet, or she'll spot you," the woman hissed, throwing Lisa a stern glare. "Follow me."

Lisa stood her ground, frowning. "Where and why?"

The woman sighed dramatically and stepped closer. "Don't you remember me? I'm Gretta. I invited you to golfing a month ago. Ring a bell?"

Lisa squinted, thinking back. Then it hit her. "Gretta! Yeah, I remember. But what the hell are you doing here, and why did you just ruin my plan?"

Gretta rolled her eyes, grabbing Lisa by the arm and carefully pulling her out of the club, making sure Claire didn't notice them sneaking out. Once they were outside, they hopped into Gretta's car. Gretta quickly told her driver to go, and as they sped away, Lisa's irritation bubbled over.

"Alright, Gretta, what's the big idea? Why'd you drag me into your car?" Lisa demanded, crossing her arms and glaring.

Gretta turned to her, her expression serious. "What you were about to do back there was wrong, Lisa."

Lisa scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Didn't expect you to be so kind to Claire. What, you like her now?"

"Oh, please." Gretta waved her hand dismissively. "I still can't stand Claire. But your plan was stupid. You could've ended up in jail! Do you really want that?"

Lisa hesitated, her defiance wavering as she thought about it. Her hands dropped to her lap, and she sighed. "Honestly, it'd be better than watching Claire live her happy little life. She ruined mine, Gretta. My wedding, my career, and now my public image? I have every right to go through with my plan."

Gretta's eyes narrowed. "Okay, let's say you did stab Claire, but she survives. Your life would be completely ruined. If you want revenge, you've got to be smart about it."

Lisa frowned, curiosity piqued. "And what exactly are you thinking?"

A sly smile spread across Gretta's lips. "I've got a better plan. Trust me, I'd love nothing more than to see Claire fall. I'm sick of her succeeding at everything."

Lisa watched as Gretta's expression turned dark, a sneer curling her lips as she thought of Claire. Then Gretta's gaze returned to Lisa, and she stretched out her hand. "Together, we can bring Claire down. So, what do you say?"

Lisa glanced at Gretta's outstretched palm, her own lips curling into a smirk. She shook Gretta's hand firmly. "Deal. Let's bring Claire down."

a knock on her penthouse door.

the door and opened it to find Matthew standing there, grinning like he'd just won the lottery. In one hand, he held two cups of coffee, and

an eyebrow. "What are you doing here, Matthew? And

mischievous grin. "I'm ready for the prototype showing today! Figured

clock again, just to be sure she hadn't misread it. "The meeting doesn't

placing the coffee and pastry on her dining table

smile tugging at her

on, sit.

was

ready for the day. Besides, she was curious to see what the team had put together after that whole Venus debacle.

he

a quick shower, Claire joined Matthew at the table. The croissants were still warm, and the coffee smelled divine. They ate in comfortable silence for a bit before Claire broke it with a question

Claire grabbed her own

about today?" Matthew asked, eyeing her over the rim of his

uncertainty in her voice. "Not nervous. Just... eager to see what they've done. It

assured her confidently. "The team knows what's at

hustle and bustle. Claire glanced over

a moment, his brow furrowed. "I don't want to, but I will.

going to

net," Matthew quipped, grinning. "Someone has to keep

and as usual, Matthew made a beeline for her desk, plopping down in her chair like it was his own. Claire followed, shaking her head

teasing smile, "maybe

kind, Claire. But honestly, my office at Cryptonic is more

on," Claire shot

and soon it was time for the meeting. As the team gathered in the conference room, Claire's

unveiled the Cortex 2.0 prototype, explaining every detail with precision. Claire listened intently, her expression serious and focused. Every so often, she'd nod or ask a pointed question, her mind clearly racing through every

When the presentation finally

up, Jaire sat back, taking

everything she'd just seen, She

The team had outdone themselves, especially given the tight timeline and the pressure they were under after Venus stole their original