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.

I'm not stupid enough to blow that kind of money on

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

with sarcasm. She turned sharply on her heel and headed for the bar. She needed a drink, something strong to

crowd, someone bumped into her, hard. The next thing she knew, cold liquid splashed

gaze up

so sorry, Claire!" Gretta exclaimed, her tone high-pitched and insincere. Her expression was the picture of fake surprise, eyes wide as if she hadn't just

beneath her calm

"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 the bid. Seems like

tilted her head, feigning indifference. "At least I bought

red, the mocking glint in her eyes disappearing. She hated

The last one did but both

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

need to spend money on something I

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

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

facts," she said with a wave of her hand as if

toward the bathroom, leaving Gretta stewing in

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

phone from her purse, she quickly sent a

to come