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."

penthouse door. She

herself out of bed, she shuffled to 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 in the other, a paper bag that looked suspiciously like

are you doing here,

"I'm ready for

stared at him, then glanced at the clock again, just to be sure she hadn't misread it. "The meeting doesn't start

than sorry!" Matthew replied with a wink, placing the coffee and pastry on her dining table like he

tugging at her

her dining chairs. "Come on, sit.

was already up,

that whole Venus debacle. She headed to

promises!" he called

Claire joined Matthew at the table. The croissants were still warm, and the coffee smelled divine. They ate in comfortable silence for

Claire grabbed her own cup and took a sip, the warmth of the coffee waking her up a

you nervous about today?" Matthew asked, eyeing her over

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

her confidently. "The team knows what's at

early morning quiet of the city slowly gave way to the usual hustle and bustle. Claire glanced over at Matthew, who was sipping his second coffee of the

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

going to

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

office, and as usual, Matthew made a beeline for her desk, plopping down

smile, "maybe

office at Cryptonic is more than enough. Though... I wouldn't say no if you offered," he added

on," Claire shot back with

the team gathered in the conference room, Claire's demeanor shifted into

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

sat back, taking

she'd just

had outdone themselves, especially given the tight timeline and the pressure they were under after