New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 307 Bet With The Prince

Claire's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "Are you talking to me?" she asked, turning to face him fully.

"Yes, you." Alexander's gaze was intense, his jaw clenched, though it seemed his anger wasn't directed at her but at the daring dress she was wearing. The plunging neckline clearly made him uncomfortable. "That dress is not suitable for the Royal Ascot." Claire rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh, please. You have no right to tell me what to wear, Alexander."

"I still have a right," he snapped, stepping closer, so close that Claire could feel the warmth of his breath. "You're my ex-wife."

Claire sucked in a deep breath, her heart skipping a beat at their sudden proximity, but she kept her face calm, scoffing. "Ex-wife, Alexander. Ex. You have no rights over me anymore. And besides, didn't you just apologize last week for being overbearing?" Alexander's eyes narrowed, his voice strained as he tried to keep his temper in check. "I apologized for being unfair to you, yes. But seeing you in this dress, with a thousand men ogling you... it bothers me."

Claire's lips curled into a smirk. "Are you jealous, Alexander?"

Before he could respond, she cut him off. "You have Abigail now. You should be focusing on her, not me."

With that, she turned and walked off, heading down the stairs, determined to find another spot to watch the races. The nerve of him! She needed to cool down before she said something she might regret. As she searched for an empty place, a familiar voice called out to her.

"Claire!" She looked up to see Adrian approaching, a warm smile on his face. Relief washed over her.

"Adrian!" she greeted him with a smile of her own. He had a way of making her feel at ease, even in the most awkward situations.

"Why aren't you in your booth?" Adrian asked, his brow furrowing in concern.

Claire's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly plastered on a smile. "I needed a better view," she lied, not wanting to get into the details of Alexander's unexpected presence. How on earth did he end up at this event? And in the same booth, no less?

Adrian glanced around, as if trying to spot something-or someone. "Well, you're welcome to join me in mine," he offered, extending his elbow with a charming grin.

Claire hesitated only for a second before slipping her arm through his. "Thank you, Adrian. I'd love that."

As they walked, Adrian glanced down at her, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "By the way, that dress looks stunning on you."

Claire blushed slightly, feeling a flutter in her chest. "Thank you," she said, then pointed at his top hat, eyes twinkling. "And look at you, Mr. Fancy Hat. I've never seen you in one of those."

hat to her in a mock

head. "You should wear it more

tension that had gripped her earlier. As they reached Adrian's booth, Claire's eyes widened slightly

stammered,

"Hello, Edward. Didn't expect to see you here or should I say

of his neck, looking a bit shy. "Nah, just Edward is fine. No need for the

raising an eyebrow. "How do

glancing at Claire. "She's a

doesn't occur to you to tell me that

Edward, joining the conversation with a mischievous smile. "Oh, it's more fun this way. Watching you get

turned bright red,

under his breath, clearly embarrassed. Henry turned to Claire with a polite smile. "I don't think we've had the

ΛΟΓ

with

Peterson. It's nice

to Adrian, raising an eyebrow. "I had no idea your circle was full

awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, it's a bit unusual, I

genuinely curious. "So, how did you all become

exchanged amused glances. Edward leaned closer, grinning. "Oh, we've got plenty of stories about Adrian. But Henry's got the best ones since I'm the younger one here." Henry nodded

in, waving his hands. "No, no! How about we just enjoy the race

smirked and winked at Claire. "Fine, but after the race, I'm telling you about the time Adrian tried to impress a girl by pretending

groaned, rolling his eyes. "Henry, I

took a sip of his champagne,

to guide her toward the railing. "Let's watch the race.

handed her a pair of

could get a

them, smiling as

the railing beside them,