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.

replied,

recognition flashed in her eyes. "Right

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

poised and composed as ever. And then it hit him. Maybe this was his chance

lights dimmed, and the first model made her way down the runway, her every step commanding attention. Claire,

but admire the clothes, mentally bookmarking a few pieces to snag after the show. Some of those dresses were too good to

the last. Claire's focus was razor-sharp, assessing each piece

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

people began to

one of the massive lights above the runway suddenly plummeted to the ground. Screams pierced the air as panic spread through the crowd like wildfire. Claire shot to her

chaos unfolding before her.

quickly began to spread across the room. The once-celebratory atmosphere dissolved into chaos as people shoved and pushed in a

shouted,

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

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 in every direction, and Talia was nowhere

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

herself staring into the familiar face of Lisa. Claire's expression hardened instantly. "What are