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.

Henry looked like he was about to burst out laughing but managed to hold it back, maintaining his composed image as a viscount. Adrian, hands shoved in

think Edward's struggling a bit," Adrian said with a

eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh,

horse racing?" he asked, glancing at the track where

shrugged. "It's entertaining, but I don't watch

usual confidence was faltering. "Well, if you'd like, I have a private booth. The view is

eyebrows, a small smile playing on

blinked, clearly not expecting that question. "Uh,

widening slightly. "You've got a lot to learn about charming women." With that, she turned and walked away with Talia, heading towards their own

stunned, his mind racing with what had just happened.

couldn't hold it in any longer and burst out laughing, clutching his sides. "Oh, Edward! That was priceless!" he exclaimed, tears of

Edward on the back. "Don't take it too hard,

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

apparently." Henry said,

what she'd just overheard, leaned in closer to Claire. "Did I hear that right? Prince Edward was talking to you?" Claire shrugged casually, her eyes scanning the area. "Yeah, I

not understanding her friend's nonchalance.

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

Girl, he's

"Talia, he's like... twenty-three. Still a kid in a lot of ways. Not really

eyes as they reached their seats. "Not your type? He's a prince! It's kind of hard to get a

sat down, adjusting her dress. "Titles don't impress me, Talia. And he's

her head, still unable to believe Claire's attitude. "You're crazy, you know that? I would've fainted on the spot. I

I'm sure he'd love someone fawning over his title. But I just don't care about that stuff." Talia

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

have to push

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 to let this cast stop me." Alexander's frown softened, and he smiled back at

shaking her head. "I promise.

then sat beside her, his eyes scanning the crowd.

glancing at him. She

near the ladies' room, Talia was fixing her makeup when she bumped into someone. "Oh! I'm so sorry-" she started,

grinned and pulled her into a quick hug. "Talia! Long time no

her surprise quickly turning into excitement. "What are you