New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 233 No Lead

Talia stood in front of Claire's penthouse. She rang the doorbell and moments later, the door swung open, revealing Claire, who looked a bit tired out but otherwise composed. "Talia," Claire greeted with a small smile, stepping aside to let her in. "Come in." Talia entered, her eyes immediately scanning Claire for any signs of injury. "Are you okay? You look tired."

Claire offers her a small smile. "Don't worry, I'm fine. I'm just tired. I have lots of work to do so it's tiring."

"I had to come over," she said, her voice tinged with concern. "making sure that you are okay. We didn't get the chance to talk after the fire and I've been worried sick. Did you get hurt?"

Claire waved off the concern with a dismissive hand. "I'm fine, really. A little shaken up, but nothing major."

But Talia's sharp eyes caught sight of a bandage peeking out from under Claire's sleeve. She immediately frowned. "What about that?" she asked, pointing at the bandage. "And don't tell me it's nothing."

Claire glanced down at her arm and shrugged. "It's nothing, just a little scratch. It's almost healed, like the one on my leg. That's already healed, just left a scar."

"What happened?"

"Well, you know falling debris and it accidentally scratches my skin. It's nothing I can't handle."

"What about you?" Claire asked, concern finally showing on her face. "When the fire happened, I tried to find you backstage, but you were gone. I was worried." Talia let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping a little. "The others and I left backstage as soon as we could. It was chaos, Claire. I didn't know where anyone was."

Claire nodded, understanding the panic that must have gripped everyone in those moments. But she also noticed the sadness etched on Talia's face, a look she hadn't seen in a while. "What's with the long face?" she asked gently, trying to coax her friend into opening up. Talia bit her lip, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill over. "The fashion show... it's ruined," she finally admitted, her voice quivering. "All my hard work, gone up in flames-literally. It was my dream, Claire, and it just... it just went haywire." Claire's heart ached for her friend. She knew how much Talia had poured into the show, how every stitch and seam had been crafted with care. She also knew that Talia didn't cry easily, so seeing her eyes glisten with tears made it clear just how deeply this loss hurt her. "I'm so sorry," Claire said softly, reaching out to pull Talia into a hug. "I know how much this meant to you."

before wiping it away with the back of her hand. "Maybe this is a sign," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Maybe fashion isn't for

she scolded gently but firmly. "This was an accident, Talia. Nobody could have predicted it. It doesn't mean you're not good at what you

composure. "I don't know, Claire. Mrs. Armetta was devastated. Months of work, just gone.

softened as she realized the weight of Talia's disappointment. "How did Mrs. Armetta

one was seriously hurt. That's what she kept saying, over and over, that she was just

but people can't. And I'm sure Mrs. Armetta knows

eyes still held a sadness that Claire couldn't ignore.

talented, Talia, and you

for any hint of doubt. But all she saw was unwavering support, something she desperately needed right now. "You really think

if you need help getting back on your feet, I'm here for you. We'll figure it out

push away the lingering despair. "Thanks,

open the door

settled into her chair when Matthew appeared

chase. "What's the latest on the

sighed, running a

his hair as

much to report, unfortunately. We've hit a dead end. I've searched everywhere, even hacked into the street security

on the