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?"

if amused by her irritation. "Are you

"Please. I'm not stupid enough to blow that

seem to take anything seriously,

headed for the

made her way through the crowd, someone bumped into her, hard. The next thing she knew, cold liquid splashed down her front,

as she looked down at the red wine now staining her pale blue gown. She snapped her gaze up to see who the culprit was, and

tone high-pitched and insincere. Her expression was the picture of fake surprise, eyes wide as if

her eyes, seething beneath her calm

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

head, feigning indifference. "At least I bought something tonight, unlike

her eyes disappearing. She

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

I spend $5 million. How about you? How much did you spend?" Claire stared at Gretta

spend money on something I don't

you're scared, Gretta," Claire added with a laugh. "Afraid you'll run out of money

her hand. She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks. "I think you're just saying all this

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

Claire turned on her heel and made her way toward

Claire 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

her purse, she quickly sent a text to

to come in.