New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 259 He’s Jealous

Alex lounged in his plush penthouse; his sharp eyes glued to the large screen in front of him. The fashion show streaming online was supposed to be a relaxing distraction, but tonight, it was anything but. His face was set in a scowl as he replayed a particular scene for the

umpteenth

time.

It was the moment when Adrian had leaned in and placed a kiss on Claire's cheek.

He slammed the remote onto the couch armrest, the soft thud echoing through the room. "Seriously? A kiss on the cheek?" Alex muttered, his voice dripping with frustration. "What the hell does Adrian have that I don't?"

He leaned closer to the screen, squinting as if he could somehow alter the outcome with sheer willpower. As he watched the replay, he noticed something he'd missed before. Claire had actually blushed-a soft, delicate pink on her cheeks. Blush. Claire never blushed. Alex's jaw tightened as he replayed the scene again, watching Claire's reaction with a mix of anger and disbelief. Back when they were married and she had amnesia, she had blushed around him a lot, but he'd never paid any mind. Now, seeing her blush for Adrian made him wish he'd noticed those little moments back then. "Damn it," he growled to himself. "Why didn't I see it before?"

He was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he almost missed the sound of his phone ringing. He grabbed it off the coffee table and saw it was a text from Christian.

Christian: Are you still brooding over the fashion show? Claire's not worth it, you know.

Alex gritted his teeth. He hit reply with a quick message.

Alex: She's always been difficult. But it's not just about her. It's about Adrian too. Why is everything so easy for him?

throat. "Why the hell is she so damn difficult?" he muttered, his frustration boiling over. "And why the hell does Adrian get to be the one she's warm with? I'm her business partner, and I'm stuck dealing with her

voice was palpable. Alex couldn't shake the image of Claire's smile at the fashion show, a smile that was reserved only for Adrian. It gnawed at him, a constant reminder of the emotional distance between him and Claire.

sitting comfortably on a plush sofa, scrolling through his phone. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he

was still floating on air from the excitement of the evening. She noticed Christian laughing

He's texting me and asking about the fashion show. Apparently, he's been watching the

brows curiously. "Is he watching because of the collection or because Claire

how did you feel about the fashion show?

Everything went perfectly!" Christian's eyes sparkled with genuine admiration. "You did fantastic, Talia. I was there from the beginning to the end, and I have to say, you really stole the show." Talia's cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink. She looked away shyly, her heart racing a little from the praise. "Oh, stop it. You're making me blush." Christian reached out and gently grabbed her chin, tilting her head so she had to look at him. "I mean it. All your hard work paid off. I'm really proud of you." Talia's face turned an even brighter shade of red. She tried to gently push him away, her shyness getting the better of her. "Okay, okay. You're embarrassing

up, offering his

The music was lively and upbeat, and the crowd was moving rhythmically to the

her earlier nervousness forgotten in the excitement of the moment.

nodded, his expression one of pure enjoyment. "I'm glad you think so. You deserve

the lively crowd, her happiness radiating. "I can't believe how great this night has turned out. It's been one of the best nights of

sipped her champagne,

nose as she watched Talia and Christian twirl across the dance floor. A few days ago, Talia had mentioned going out on a date with Christian. Claire had raised an eyebrow at the time, halfexpecting a

gracefully across the floor. Claire wasn't sure if they were officially a couple yet

enjoying each other's compelle

but