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.

distance. 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

a bit,"

eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, definitely.

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

shrugged. "It's entertaining, but

nodded, trying to think of something clever to say, but his usual confidence was faltering.

small smile playing on her

blinked, clearly not expecting that

charming women." With that, she turned

bit stunned, his mind racing with what had just happened. He was used to things going his way, but this

in any longer and burst out laughing, clutching his sides. "Oh, Edward!

Edward on the back. "Don't take it

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

Henry said, shaking his

excitement around them. Talia, still a bit shocked from 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.

understanding her friend's nonchalance. "And? Was

smile, not breaking her

her in disbelief. "Maybe? Girl, he's a prince. Why aren't you

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

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

dress. "Titles don't impress me, Talia. And he's not as mature as you think.

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

up her champagne glass and drained the last drop. "You're welcome to him, then. I'm sure he'd love someone

his way to his booth, walking slowly beside Abigail, who had her leg in a cast. Alexander glanced down at her

to

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 to let this cast stop me."

laughed, shaking her head.

a seat, then sat beside her, his eyes scanning the crowd. "If you need anything, just tell

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

she bumped into someone. "Oh! I'm so sorry-" she started, then froze when she realized

and pulled her into a quick hug. "Talia! Long

her surprise quickly turning into excitement. "What