New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 293 Kidnapping Claire

Claire.

Claire clapped her hand, and forced a smile as she watched Alexander Harris descend the stage. He'd just won the final bid-a jaw-dropping $200 million for a piece of jewelry, the famed Saint Laurent necklace. The amount was absurd, even to someone as wealthy as Sure, she had plenty of money, but even she wasn't foolish enough to spend that much on a piece of jewelry.

Claire's mood had sunk like a stone, but her face stayed calm and collected. She was good at that-hiding what she really felt behind a mask of ease. The other guests rushed to congratulate Alexander as he passed by their tables, and when he reached hers, Claire stood, her fake smile perfectly in place.

"Congratulations, Alexander," she said, extending her hand.

Alexander shook it, his grip firm but relaxed. "Thank you, Claire."

Behind him, Adrian approached his smile more business than pleasure. "Congrats, Alexander," he said smoothly. "I believe you will take care of it. It's been a while since someone held it."

Alexander gave a polite nod, though his face was still tense every time he talked to Adrian. "I'll take care of it."

Claire barely paid attention. Her phone buzzed in her hand, a text from Matthew: I'll be there soon.

She pocketed her phone, and Adrian excused himself. "I'm off to speak with my grandfather. I'll catch up with you two later." He gave Claire a nod before heading toward the far end of the room, leaving her alone with Alexander. Great, just what she needed.

Claire crossed her arms, glancing at Alexander. "What are you going to do with it?"

Alexander, hands stuffed into his pockets, shrugged. "I haven't really thought about it."

Claire's brow furrowed. "You spent $200 million on a necklace, and you don't know what you're going to do with it?"

amused by her irritation. "Are you jealous

I'm not stupid enough to blow that kind of

was sharp, but Alexander just chuckled. He didn't seem to take anything seriously, and that only annoyed

turned sharply on her heel and headed for

hard. The next

blue gown. She snapped her gaze up to see who the culprit was, and of course, it was none other than Gretta Robertson, queen of fake smiles and

Her expression was the picture of fake surprise, eyes wide as if she hadn't just deliberately spilled wine

eyes, seething beneath her calm exterior. "Use your eyes

mocking smile. "Accidents happen," she said with a shrug. Then, as if she couldn't resist twisting the knife, she added, "By the way, congratulations for not winning

feigning indifference. "At least I bought something tonight,

eyes disappearing. She hated being called

was going to...but none of the pieces suit my interest. The last one did but both

the price. At least I spend $5 million. How about

need to spend money

added with a laugh. "Afraid you'll

tightened around the empty wine glass in her hand. She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks. "I think you're just saying

sparkling with amusement. "Oh, darling, I'm just stating the facts," she said with a wave of her hand as if dismissing

toward the bathroom, leaving Gretta

wine stain on her black dress. It wasn't all that visible because of the dark fabric, but she could feel it sticking to her skin, and

her phone from her purse, she quickly sent a

come in. I'll wait