New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 280 The Hard Way

Matthew frowned, his brows knitting together as he looked at Claire. "Are you sure you want to see this guy right away?" Claire nodded without a hint of hesitation. "Yes. We don't have time to waste."

Matthew scratched the back of his neck. "Shouldn't we dig up more information first? I mean, what if the guy isn't even home? We should have backup plan."

Claire had already tried tracing Rafayel's phone number, but no luck-his SIM card wasn't in use anymore. "We've got no other leads. All we can do now is show up at his house and hope for the best," she said, standing up from her desk, determination etched on her face. Without another word, Claire marched out of her office, Matthew trailing behind her with a resigned sigh. Soon enough, they found themselves heading toward the helicopter waiting on the roof of Metacortex.

The flight wasn't long, and after they landed, they hopped into a car. Matthew took the driver's seat while Claire, in her usual efficient way, navigated.

Matthew glanced over at her every now and then, but the journey was mostly quiet, save for the hum of the engine and Claire's occasional instructions. The drive was a long one-about two hours-but finally, they arrived at the neighborhood. It wasn't exactly welcoming. "It's worse than the photos," Matthew muttered under his breath as they drove past run-down houses with peeling paint, and yards littered with debris.

Claire barely acknowledged him, her focus sharp as she scanned the area. "Keep going. The house should be on the left."

Matthew parked outside the crumbling building Claire pointed to. They both got out of the car, Claire walking straight toward the door with a sense of urgency. She knocked firmly and waited, but after a long silence, no one came. Frowning, she knocked again-this time harder.

Finally, the door creaked open, and an older woman stood there, looking mildly irritated. "Who are you? What do you want?"

Claire's expression was all business. "Sorry to interrupt your morning, but I'm looking for Rafayel. Is he here?"

The woman's brow furrowed, her arms crossing over her chest. "Why are you looking for my son?"

Claire didn't beat around the bush. "So, he is your son?" she asked, though her voice carried more confirmation than question.

The woman let out a tired sigh. "He was. He ran away months ago."

Claire exchanged a quick glance with Matthew, but didn't press further. "Do you know where he hangs out these days?"

hesitated before shrugging. "Last I heard, he and his crew were spending time at some abandoned

Claire

out from the neighborhood," the woman replied, giving them rough directions. "But like I said, I'm not sure he's still around

a brief, "Thank you," before turning on

Matthew shot Claire a side glance.

to be hiding anything," Claire replied, her eyes scanning the road

it clear no one had lived there properly in ages.

waved a dismissive hand, already walking toward

last words," Matthew muttered

Claire saw... nothing. The place looked deserted, but that didn't mean it was safe. Pushing the door open, a loud

ashtray," she remarked, glancing

cautiously inside. There didn't seem to be any signs

around toward

Claire paused. "Hear what?"

Matthew's voice lowered.

sight of two figures darting away

wasn't far behind. "We can't let them get away!"

Matthew ran faster. The rough terrain did little to aid the fugitives' chances Claire's heart was racing in her chest as she willed herself to

yelled, gesturing for Matthew to split off and cut them off from

slowing up, straight ahead. It didn't take long before Matthew was able to corral one of the men,

whit. He, too, was too winded from the

Claire managed to catch up to the second man, who tripped over a rock and went down hard. She was standing over him, catching her breath, her

rubbing his leg where he

to Claire's position, both men starting to look nervous now that they realized