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 you didn't

stupid enough to blow

just chuckled. He didn't seem to take anything seriously, and that

night," she said, voice dripping with sarcasm. She turned sharply on her heel and headed

into her, hard. The next thing she

red wine now staining her pale blue gown. She snapped her gaze up to see who the culprit was, and of course, it was none other than Gretta Robertson, queen

insincere. Her expression was the picture of fake surprise, eyes wide as if she hadn't just deliberately spilled wine all over Claire's

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

if she couldn't resist twisting the knife, she added, "By the way, congratulations for not winning the bid. Seems like the great Claire Peterson doesn't always get what she

"At least I bought something tonight, unlike

red, the mocking glint in her eyes disappearing. She hated being called out, especially by

of the pieces suit my interest. The last one did but both

could easily purchase it doesn't matter about the price. At least I spend $5 million. How about you? How much did

to spend money on something I

Claire added with a laugh. "Afraid you'll run out of money after bidding on

empty wine glass in her hand. She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks. "I think you're just saying all this to make yourself feel better,"

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

toward the bathroom, leaving

entered the bathroom, she grabbed a tissue and started dabbing at the 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 it was driving her crazy. She sighed heavily, staring at her reflection in the mirror. "What a night," she muttered to herself. Things weren't going

her phone from her purse, she quickly

come in. I'll wait