New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 217 Are You Insane?

Adrian stepped out of the elevator into the basement, his footsteps echoing in the quiet, almost eerie space. It was so silent you could hear a pin drop, and that made his hunch even stronger. Something told him Claire might be down here. As he crept further into the basement, he caught sight of a shadowy figure making a dash toward a black van parked in the farthest corner, practically in the blind spot. The hairs on the back of Adrian's neck stood up. He squinted and his heart nearly stopped when he realized who the unconscious person in the man's arms was.

"Claire?" he muttered under his breath, then yelled, "Hey! Stop right there!"

The man glanced back but didn't slow down. He sped up, like he was making a break for it. Not on Adrian's watch. Adrian broke into a full sprint, adrenaline pumping through his veins. He didn't care that his dress shoes weren't exactly built for a chase scene he was catching this guy if it was the last thing he did.

With a final burst of speed, Adrian launched himself at the man, tackling him to the ground. They both hit the cold concrete hard, the impact sending a jolt of pain through Adrian's elbow. He winced but quickly scrambled to his feet, ready to face the guy. The man was already up, towering over him, and looking seriously pissed off.

"Okay, big guy, let's see what you've got," Adrian muttered, bracing himself. The man swung a kick at him, but Adrian was quicker, dodging just in time. He grabbed the guy's foot and shoved him backward, sending him tumbling to the ground.

Adrian rushed over to Claire, dropping to his knees beside her. "Claire, wake up! Come on, don't do this," he urged, gently shaking her. But she didn't stir. Panic flickered in his chest. "Damn it!" he cursed out loud, glancing back to see the man getting up again. "Oh, great," Adrian muttered. He wasn't exactly trained for hand-to-hand combat, but he'd do whatever it took to keep Claire safe.

Meanwhile, back upstairs, Alex's phone buzzed. It was the security team in the control room. "Sir, we've located the man you're looking for. He's in the basement," the guard informed him.

Alex didn't need to hear more. "Matthew let's go!" he barked, already heading for the elevator. Matthew was right behind him, his usually calm demeanor replaced by a look of fierce determination.

The elevator ride down to the basement felt like it took forever. Alex tapped his foot impatiently, glancing at the floor numbers as they slowly ticked down. When the doors finally dinged open, the two of them bolted out, sprinting towards the sounds of a struggle echoing through the basement.

be told twice. He rushed back to Claire's side, desperately trying to wake her up again. His fingers trembled as he checked her pulse. It was weak-too weak. "Matthew,

guy's stomach. "Answer him!" he demanded, his own anger flaring up. But the

placed his ear near her mouth, checking her breath. It was faint and shallow-this wasn't good. Without hesitation, Adrian began performing CPR, pressing down on her chest and then moving

Claire," Adrian muttered between breaths. "Come on, you're stronger

a double take, his eyes widening in

look over his shoulder. "I'm performing CPR, Alex! Her pulse is weak,

need mouth-to-mouth! You're just taking

was about ready to lose it. "For the love of Alex, if you

frustrated silence as Adrian continued to work on Claire. his heart pounding in his chest. The seconds felt like hours, every breath Adrian gave her, every compression, pushing Alex closer

of the room, where he'd just knocked a guy out cold. "Alex shut up

with more urgency.

at Alex, who was still fuming. "We need to get her to a doctor, and quickly." Alex, clearly torn between wanting to argue and

out orders to secure the penthouse and

like she was the most

stepped in, putting a firm hand on Alex's chest. "Adrian, get back to the event. Let

What the hell is wrong with you?" Alex looked at Matthew like

him, his voice steady and calm. “I know Claire better than you think, Alex. If she wakes up and finds out

Claire, not leave her in Adrian's