New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 225 Attending Fashion Show

The next morning, Claire's phone buzzed on her desk, pulling her attention away from the endless stream of emails. She can finally get back to work after convincing Matthew that she is fine and that she can get back to work even though Matthew didn't 100% believe her but he let her nonetheless.

She glanced at the caller ID and felt a smile tug at her lips. It was Talia. It had been too long since they'd last spoken, and Claire realized just how much she missed her friend's infectious energy.

"Claire!" Talia's voice came through the phone, bright and bubbly as always. Claire could practically see her grinning on the other end of the line.

"Hey, Talia," Claire responded calmly, but there was warmth in her tone. "How's Italy treating you?"

"Oh my God, Claire, it's been amazing!" Talia squealed, the excitement in her voice unmistakable. "I've been doing everything! Mrs. Armetta has been showing me around, and the food here-oh, you wouldn't believe it! And the fashion-everywhere you look, it's like stepping into a magazine! I even got to help out with some designs! I mean, can you believe it?"

Claire chuckled, genuinely happy to hear Talia so thrilled. "Sounds like you're living the dream," she said. "I'm glad everything's going so well."

"I know, right?" Talia continued, her voice a little breathless from all the excitement. "But enough about me-how are you, Claire? You've been on my mind, you know. I've been texting you, but it's not the same as hearing your voice."

Claire's smile softened at the concern in Talia's voice. "I'm fine, just the usual-work, work, and more work," she replied, letting out a small sigh. She purposely left out any mention of the incident with the poison. The fewer people who knew about that, the better. "Claire, you sound tired," Talia said, her voice softening with worry. "Are you sure you're, okay?"

Claire hesitated for a second before brushing it off. "I'm good, Talia. Just swamped with projects as always. But enough about me why'd you call? I'm sure it's not just to hear me complain about work."

Talia seemed to brighten up again, her usual spark returning. "Oh! Right! So, tomorrow there's this huge fashion show happening, hosted by Armetta Boutique. Everyone's going to be there artists, singers, influencers, you name it. And guess what? I've been helping organize the whole thing! I even got to design part of the stage!"

"Wow, that's incredible, Talia!" Claire said, genuinely impressed. "You've really outdone yourself."

"Thanks!" Talia replied, clearly pleased with the compliment. "But here's the thing-I really want you to be there, Claire. I mean, none of this would have happened if it weren't for you introducing me to Mrs. Armetta. You've got to come!"

Claire couldn't help but smile. "I just did what felt right, but I'd be honored to attend. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

so glad! It's going to

looking forward to it," Claire said, her tone light.

with Talia still buzzing with excitement. Talia placed her phone down, her excitement giving way to a thoughtful frown. Something was off with Claire, she could feel it. She had

tapping against the table. "I'll find out what's going on, even if I have to drag it out of

her attention back to the fashion show preparations. She

out of the sleek black car that had just pulled up to the venue. She was dressed in a stunning limited-edition outfit from Armetta Boutique, a perfect blend of elegance and edge. The dress, a sleek black number with a hint of shimmer, was paired with a stylish

around her shoulders, and she wore oversized shades to protect her eyes from the barrage of camera flashes that greeted her the moment

shouting her name from

"Claire! Over here!"

"Look this way, Claire!"

"Give us a pose!"

to play the game. After all, the media was a powerful beast-it could either elevate your image

Claire put on

but never quite reached her eyes She waved and posed just enough to keep the photographers

followed

inside the venue,

"I swear, those cameras get more aggressive

then, a familiar

approached her, tapping her

lightly. Claire turned

into a genuine smile when she saw Talia standing there. "Talia! It's so good to see you!" Claire exclaimed, pulling her into a warm

missed you so much, Claire!" Talia replied, hugging her back just

pulled back, taking in Talia's appearance with a grin. "Look at you! Your hair-shorter and darker? Italy has definitely