New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 313 Demo Presentation

Alexander stood in the middle of the room, his mind racing. He had been hurt twice today, and he wasn't sure how to handle it. Claire's words echoed in his head, replaying over and over. She really couldn't see the effort he was putting into being a better person. He knew he hadn't treated her right during their three years of marriage, but people changed, right? He had changed-or at least, he was trying to.

But Claire didn't seem to care.

He sighed, rubbing his hands over his face. Was he really that bad of a person? Had he truly become the villain Claire painted him to be? Alexander didn't know anymore. It was all a blur of mistakes and regrets.

He paced the room, trying to come up with a plan, something, anything that would make Claire see he was different now. But no matter what idea popped into his head, it felt pointless. It all felt hopeless. And then, there was Adrian.

The thought of Adrian made Alexander's chest tighten. Claire seemed fond of him, way too fond. It didn't take a genius to see that. What if Claire and Adrian became a couple? The idea gnawed at him. If they did, he'd have no chance of ever getting Claire back. And if he kept trying to pursue her while she was with Adrian, he'd just end up looking like some desperate fool. The whole situation would cause a mess, stir up drama, and make Claire hate him even more.

He leaned against the window, staring blankly at the street below. This cycle, it never ended. Alexander was getting tired. Part of him just wanted to give up, to throw in the towel and move on. But then, another part of him-stubborn and hopeful-wanted to keep fighting for her.

A few days passed, and Claire was discharged from the hospital. She seemed like her old self again, back to being busy and driven. But Matthew was on her case, making sure she rested. Even Adrian was getting in on it, telling her to slow down. Claire just brushed them off with a smile, insisting she was fine.

"Really, I'm good," she'd tell them, rolling her eyes. "I'm back to work today, no more rest for me. It's the last day of robot building, and Monday's the big presentation. I've got to make sure everything's perfect."

"But you just got out of the hospital," Matthew said, crossing his arms. "You can't push yourself like this."

"I'm fine," Claire insisted. "I have to be ready for Monday."

"Everything's going well. I checked on the robot last night, and there were no issues. We've got this. You don't need to worry, Claire."

it. Adrian even popped in a few times, checking in with his usual concerned look. But Claire wasn't

was up at the crack of dawn. She skipped breakfast, too focused on what lay ahead. Today was the presentation, the big day where everything would come together. She was supposed to meet with her lawyer to talk about Lisa's situation, but that would have to

in place. Matthew was helping the robotic team move the machine into the room. Claire was nervous. She

the robot, everything was

Usually, she could read him like an open book, but today? Nothing. She shook the thought away. She needed to focus on the presentation, not on Alexander. Jack, her colleague,

forcing a smile. She gathered her robotic team around her and wished them luck too.

started, Claire stood in the center of the room, microphone in hand. She took a deep breath and smiled, trying to project confidence. Inside, she was freaking out. This project was her baby, something no one had really believed in at first. If this failed, it wouldn't just be

stomach. "Thank you all for coming. Today, we're excited to present our newest

presentation went smoothly

robot worked as

relaxed a little, letting herself feel proud of her team's hard work. But then, as the robot moved to demonstrate its final task something went

okay?" Matthew whispered

muttered, her

a thumbs-up, but

on," Claire whispered under her breath, willing the robot to pull it together. It started to correct itself, its movements becoming smoother again. Claire let out a quiet

things up, thanking everyone for their time. As she stepped down from the podium, she spotted Alexander approaching her. "Nice job,"

politely. "I think you saw wrong. It was...a part of my performance." She defends herself and for some reason,

words. "Really? Well, you did a good job with

and also the robot since it is not Metacortex specialty

wouldn't have done it without