New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 226 Lisa Save Claire?

Claire's eyes narrowed as she stared at her, trying to process what she was seeing. There, in the second row, sat Lisa Thompson.

The last time Claire had laid eyes on Lisa was at the police station, of all places, bailing her out. And now, here she was, at a fashion show, of all places? Claire couldn't shake the bad feeling that started creeping up her spine. Something about Lisa being here didn't sit right, but Claire pushed the thought aside and focused on the stage. She was here for fashion, not Lisa.

Meanwhile, Alex was sneaking into the venue through the back door, doing his best to avoid the photographers who were eagerly snapping photos of anyone who looked important. He had his phone pressed to his ear, listening to his mother's voice with a mix of impatience and resignation.

"Alex, darling, make sure you find something nice for me," his mother's voice chirped on the other end.

Alex rolled his eyes, his tone dripping with annoyance. "Mum, I could've hired someone to come to this fashion show for you. You know I have zero interest in women's fashion, especially when I've got a mountain of work waiting for me."

His mother didn't have it. "Oh, hush, Alex. I wanted my son's opinion, not some random stylist's. Think of it as a mother-son day out, even if it's just you there and me back at the mansion."

Alex let out a sigh, sarcasm seeping into his reply. "Oh, sure. Nothing says quality time like me running around at a fashion show while you're sitting comfortably at home. Can't wait."

"Just let me know what you pick out for me, sweetheart," his mother said with a sweet but firm tone, clearly ignoring his sarcasm.

The call ended, and Alex slipped his phone back into his pocket, letting out another sigh. Just as he was about to figure out where he was supposed to go, a staff member approached him with a bright smile. "Can I help you, sir?" she asked.

he replied, trying not

staff member's smile widened as recognition flashed in her eyes. "Right this way, Mr. Harris," she said,

nearly did a double take. Was it just him, or did he seem to run

the runway and the other on Claire. She looked as poised and composed as ever. And then it hit him. Maybe this was his chance to have a conversation with Claire without Matthew hovering around. He hadn't spotted him

fashion show was in full swing, and the atmosphere was electric. The lights dimmed, and the first model made her way down the

few pieces to snag after the show. Some of those dresses were too

than the last. Claire's focus was razor-sharp, assessing each piece with a discerning eye. She was already

model strutted back down the runway, the designer appeared, bowing to a round of applause. The show was over, and

began to

the ground. Screams pierced the air as panic spread through the crowd like wildfire. Claire shot to her feet, her heart racing as her eyes filled with shock. She

chaos unfolding before her.

fallen light had been electrified, and sparks flew, igniting a fire that quickly began to spread across the room. The once-celebratory atmosphere dissolved into chaos as people shoved and pushed in a desperate attempt to escape. But amidst the panic, Claire's thoughts weren't on herself-they were on

Claire shouted, her

screams and the crackling flames. She pushed her way through the crowd, but the sheer number of bodies crashing against her made it impossible to move freely. Someone slammed into her and she lost her balance, hitting the floor hard. Pain shot through her as she landed on her

unbearable, and the smoke was thickening by the second. Her breath came in short gasps as she coughed, the lack of oxygen making her head spin. "Talia!" she called out again, but there was no answer. The backstage area was a mess, with people running

loosened by the fire, began to topple towards her. Claire's eyes

around to see who had saved her, only to find herself staring into the familiar face of Lisa. Claire's expression hardened instantly. "What are you doing here?"