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?"

yanking his head back. But instead of showing fear, Ivanov only laughed harder, as

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

but he tried to keep up

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

of defiance and madness in his eyes. "I'm not afraid to die, lady. I have nothing to lose. Go on, shoot me. I dare you." He wore a wicked grin, the kind

mind raced, but she

Ivanov wasn't entirely wrong killing wasn't exactly her style. But he didn't need to know that. She tightened her

she

her gaze hardening

down. Then, without breaking eye contact, she slowly retracted the gun

she said, her tone laced with mockery. "I don't have the guts because I'm not a killer.

In

gun to Matthew, who had been watching the exchange from a few feet away. "Finish him off," she instructed, her voice cold. But before Matthew could make a move, Claire gave Ivanov

me who sent you to

me."

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 didn't say a word. The silence was louder than any gunshot could

said, her voice chillingly

tension in her body didn't ease until she slipped into the backseat

felt drained, her energy still

muscle in her body felt like lead, heavy and unresponsive. All she wanted was a moment of peace, but

and Matthew slid into the seat beside her. Claire, still with her eyes closed, asked, "Did Ivanov say