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."

a mock bow.

wear it more often.

pleasant contrast to the tension that had gripped her earlier. As they reached Adrian's booth, Claire's eyes widened slightly when she spotted Edward. He stood frozen for a moment,

Edward stammered,

"Hello, Edward. Didn't expect to see

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

raising an eyebrow. "How

glancing at Claire. "She's a friend

at Adrian. "And it doesn't occur to you to

mischievous smile. "Oh, it's

turned

turned to Claire with a polite smile. "I don't think we've had the pleasure. I'm Henry,

ΛΟΓ

with

extending her hand. "Claire Peterson. It's nice to meet

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

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

how did you all

and Edward 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

no! How about we just enjoy the race

the race, I'm telling you about the time Adrian tried to impress

his eyes. "Henry,

Adrian, Henry chuckled and took a sip of his champagne, clearly

placing a gentle hand on her waist to guide her toward the railing. "Let's

handed her a pair of

get a better view of

Claire took them, smiling as she peered through the

leaning on the railing beside