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.

I'm Alexander Harris," he replied, trying not to

member's smile widened as recognition flashed in her eyes. "Right this way,

through the venue, he couldn't help but scan the room, taking in the crowd. His eyes landed on Claire, and he nearly did a double take. Was it just him, or did he seem to run into Claire everywhere these days? Or maybe it was the other way around. Either

this was his chance to have a conversation with Claire without Matthew hovering around. He hadn't spotted him anywhere, and the after-party might offer the

was electric. The lights dimmed, and the first model made her way down the runway,

the clothes, mentally bookmarking a few pieces to snag after

in and out, each outfit more stunning than the last. Claire's focus was razor-sharp, assessing

model strutted back down the runway, the designer appeared, bowing to a round of applause. The show was over, and the crowd erupted in cheers, clapping for the stunning display they

people began to

spread through the crowd like wildfire. Claire shot to her feet, her heart racing as her eyes filled with shock. She could feel the panic creeping

chaos unfolding before her.

atmosphere dissolved into chaos as people shoved and pushed

shouted,

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 side, but she ignored it, scrambling to her

her way backstage. The heat was 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,

to leave, another piece of stage decoration, loosened by the fire, began to topple

had saved her, only to find herself staring into the familiar face of Lisa. Claire's expression hardened instantly. "What are you doing here?" she demanded, her voice icy despite the surrounding