New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 282 Rafayel

Claire and Matthew headed back to the car, their footsteps echoing in the quiet night. As they approached the car, Matthew shot a glance at Claire, breaking the silence. "Are you really just going to let those two guys go?" Matthew asked, his voice laced with doubt.

Claire's expression remained unreadable, her face as calm as ever. "I don't want to hurt them. All I need are answers," she said, her voice cool and measured. Matthew frowned, not entirely convinced. "You know they could've been lying to save themselves, right? That whole story they told you could be made up." Claire stopped in her tracks, turning to face Matthew. Her eyes narrowed slightly, but her tone remained steady. "What do you want me to do?" she asked.

Matthew, sensing her frustration but unwilling to back down, replied, "You should've put them in jail. Whether their story is true or not, they were involved in putting Abigail in a coma. They deserve some kind of punishment."

Claire sighed, her gaze softening slightly as she considered his words. "I get it, Matthew. But what we need to focus on is finding the woman who ordered them to do this. She's the key to all of this."

Without waiting for a response, Claire opened the passenger door and slid inside the car. Matthew stood there for a moment, shaking his head before walking over to the driver's seat. He started the engine with a sigh, the hum of the car filling the silence between them. As they drove through the city streets, Matthew glanced over at Claire, curiosity gnawing at him. "What are you planning to do with Rafayel?" he asked.

Claire shrugged casually, keeping her eyes on the road ahead. "If he tells me what I need to know about this woman, I'll let him go."

Matthew frowned, clearly not thrilled with her plan. "You're going to let him go, too? Just like his two friends?"

Claire smirked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I never said I'd let him go easily," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of playfulness.

better than to press her further. He

of neglect, and Claire wrinkled her nose in disgust as she stepped out of the car. "What is this place?" she muttered, shaking her head in disbelief. Matthew joined her, equally

sarcasm dripping from her voice. "No wonder he's willing

into the dingy apartment building, the flickering lights above casting an eerie glow. Claire climbed the stairs, her steps light but purposeful. She had memorized the directions from one of Rafayel's friends-third floor, go left, last door near the window. Simple enough, but the stench and

of loud music

she asked, pointing to the door where the music was practically shaking

confirmed with a nod. "This is what his friend told

situations like this. The second the door swung open, a wave of noise and foul smells hit them. The

was small, and

all, lounging on a stained couch like a king on his throne was Rafayel. He had two girls on either side of him, each one draped

closer to Matthew, her voice raised over the

to Rafayel. Without another word, they made their way through the crowd toward him. Claire stepped in front of Rafayel, arms crossed over her chest, her face set in a look that clearly said she wasn't in the mood for

if you wanted a turn, all you had to do was ask," he teased, his voice dripping with amusement. The two women on his lap giggled, clearly finding

didn't change. She wasn't here for jokes.

leaning back into the couch like he didn't have a care in the world. "And who do you think you are, telling me what to do? I don't take orders from you," he said, his voice laced

even bother