New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 220 Last Chance

Inside the car, Claire sat with a look so serious it could slice through steel. The incident earlier still gnawed at her, and she was determined to find out who was behind it. As they cruised down the dark streets, her voice, cold and sharp, cut through the silence. "Matthew, what did you find?"

Matthew, sitting beside her, sighed softly. He knew she wasn't going to back down despite waht just happened earlier.

"Claire, the guy's a criminal. This isn't his first time doing something like this."

He handed her an iPad, the screen glowing with the details of the man they were after. Matthew had once again hacked into the government system to dig up information. Claire quickly scanned through the profile. The man's name was Ivanov. An illegal immigrant with a track record that would make even the most hardened criminals think twice. The police had been after him for ages, but every time he got captured, he managed to slip away. No family, no roots, just a lifetime of getting involved in dark, shady business. Claire handed the iPad back to Matthew, her mind already racing. "Where's Ivanov now?"

Matthew glanced at her, concern flickering in his eyes. "He's at the abandoned warehouse. But Claire, are you sure you're, okay? You just recovered from the poisoning. Maybe we should-"

"I'm fine," Claire interrupted her voice firm. Truth be told, she still felt a bit weak, but she wasn't about to let that stop her. Whoever dared to ruin her day and, more importantly, tried to kill her, was going to pay. "Driver, take us to the warehouse."

Matthew frowned but didn't argue. He knew better than to try and change her mind once it was set. The ride to the warehouse was longer than Claire would've liked, every minute ticking by adding to her growing impatience. As soon as the car rolled to a stop, she was out of it, moving quickly towards the warehouse.

A guard opened the door for her, revealing the dimly lit interior. There, tied to a chair with armed guards standing watch, was Ivanov. His head hung low, but at the sound of Claire's heels clicking on the concrete floor, he slowly lifted it. His face was a mess of bruises, and Claire could tell Matthew had made sure he got the message that messing with her was a bad idea.

"Ivanov," Claire called out, her voice cold enough to freeze water.

He grinned, revealing yellow teeth stained with blood. It was a sight that could make anyone's stomach turn, but Claire didn't flinch. She was more focused on getting the information she needed.

"Who sent you?" Claire demanded, skipping any pleasantries.

Ivanov chuckled, a low, rasping sound that echoed off the walls. "What's in it for me if I tell you?"

grabbing a fistful of his greasy hair and yanking his head back. But instead of showing fear, Ivanov only laughed harder, as if this whole situation was some twisted form of entertainment

thought, she walked over to one of the guards, snatching the pistol from his belt. She turned and pointed it directly at Ivanov's head, her hand steady, her eyes locked onto his. Matthew, who had been watching in silence, felt a flicker of surprise at Claire's bold move but quickly composed himself. He'd seen her angry before, but this was different. There was a deadly calm in her eyes that he hadn't seen

grin faltered slightly, but he tried to keep up the

"You're not in a position to play tough, Ivanov. Start talking, or you'll

not afraid to die, lady. I have nothing to lose. Go on, shoot me. I dare you." He wore a wicked grin, the kind that made Claire want to wipe it off his face with something far

raced, but

But he didn't

she

her gaze hardening as

Then, without breaking eye contact, she slowly

she said, her tone laced with mockery. "I don't

In

Matthew, who had been watching the exchange from a few feet away. "Finish him off," she instructed, her voice cold. But before Matthew could

Tell me who sent you to

me."

was gone as quickly as it had appeared. He clenched his jaw and stayed silent, his gaze dropping to the floor. Claire waited, counting the seconds in her head. Five minutes passed, but Ivanov

chillingly calm. "You've made your

the warehouse, not looking back. The tension in her body didn't ease until she slipped into the backseat

her energy

heavy and unresponsive. All she wanted was a

slid into the seat beside her. Claire, still with her eyes closed, asked,