New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 306 Prince Edward

Claire took the glass of champagne from the passing waiter. As she got out of the car earlier, she felt the attention of every eye around her. Photographers turned their cameras towards her, capturing her every move. She had a hunch. The dress she was wearing might be

a bit too much, but Talia insisted, saying, "You only live once, girl!" That's how Claire ended up in the daring outfit, feeling a mix of confidence and nervousness.

Talia was already buzzing with excitement as she watched the horses getting into position. "This is so thrilling!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

Claire nodded, taking a sip of her champagne, trying to match Talia's enthusiasm. "Yeah, it's something, isn't it?"

Just then, a light cough from behind caught her attention. Claire turned around to see a young man standing there, a charming smile on his face and a glass of champagne in hand.

"I couldn't help but notice you," he said, his voice smooth. "You look absolutely stunning."

Claire gave him a polite smile. "Thank you."

The man extended his hand, his smile widening. "I'm Edward. Prince Edward, actually."

Claire's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but she kept her cool and shook his hand. "Claire Peterson. Nice to meet you."

Edward's smile brightened even more. "The pleasure is mine, Claire."

Talia, who had been observing the exchange, looked stunned. Her eyes darted between Claire and Edward, her mind racing. A prince?! This day was getting more exciting by the second. Claire turned to Talia and introduced her. "This is my friend, Talia."

Talia awkwardly smiled and offered her hand. "Nice to meet you, Prince Edward."

Edward nodded politely at Talia, but his gaze quickly returned to Claire. "So, is this your first time at the Royal Ascot?"

Claire shook her head, keeping her tone calm. "No, it's my second time."

Edward nodded thoughtfully. "No wonder I haven't seen you before. I'm sure I would've remembered."

"Yeah," Claire replied simply, taking another sip of her drink. Her voice was steady and gave nothing away, which seemed to throw Edward off his game.

Edward shifted his weight, suddenly looking awkward. He was used to women giggling and fawning over him, but Claire was different. She seemed so composed, almost like she wasn't impressed by his title or charm. He cleared his throat and tried again.

unfold from a distance. Henry looked like he was about to burst out laughing but managed to hold it back, maintaining his composed image

Edward's struggling a bit," Adrian

twinkling with amusement. "Oh, definitely. He's not

racing?" he asked, glancing at the track where the jockeys were

but I

was faltering. "Well, if you'd like,

eyebrows, a small smile playing on her lips. "How

not expecting that

charming

looking a bit stunned, his mind racing with what had just happened.

his sides. "Oh, Edward! That was priceless!" he exclaimed, tears of laughter forming in his

back. "Don't take it too

sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't get it. Usually, they're

this one apparently." Henry said, shaking

crowd buzzing with excitement around them. Talia, still a bit shocked from what she'd just overheard, leaned in closer to Claire.

raised an eyebrow, clearly not understanding her friend's nonchalance. "And?

smile, not breaking her stride. "I don't know.

disbelief. "Maybe? Girl, he's

climbed the stairs to their booth. "Talia, he's like... twenty-three. Still

their seats. "Not your type? He's a prince! It's kind of hard

and sat down, adjusting her dress. "Titles don't impress me, Talia. And he's not as mature as you think. You can

believe Claire's attitude. "You're crazy, you know that? I would've fainted on the spot. I mean, it's not every day you get a chance

welcome to him, then. I'm sure he'd love someone fawning over his title.

the viewing area, Alexander was making his way to his booth, walking slowly beside Abigail, who had her leg in a cast. Alexander glanced down at her with a concerned frown. "Are you sure you're okay to

to push

gave him a reassuring smile, her cheeks slightly pink. "I'm fine, really. I've been cooped up for so long. I've always wanted to see the Royal Ascot, and I wasn't going

head. "I promise.

her, his eyes

Abigail said softly, glancing at him. She quickly looked away,

she bumped into someone. "Oh! I'm so sorry-"

her into a quick hug. "Talia! Long

hugged him back, her surprise quickly turning into excitement. "What are you doing