New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 314 Uninvited Guest

Claire was wrapping up her day at the office, organizing her things and getting ready to head over to the restaurant Alexander had booked for the celebration. She slung her bag over her shoulder, about to leave, when the door to her office creaked open. It was Adrian,

standing there with a wide grin and holding a single flower in his hand.

Claire smiled, a little surprised but happy to see him. She walked toward him, eyes flicking from the flower to his face. "Is that for me?" she asked, already knowing the answer but teasing him a little.

Adrian handed her the flower, his smile not fading. "Congrats on that presentation today. You killed it!"

Claire blushed, taking the flower from him and holding it to her nose. "Thank you, Adrian. How did you know about it?"

He chuckled, leaning against her desk like he owned the place. "I know everything, remember?" he whispered like it was some grand secret.

Claire rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. "Right, of course, how could I forget?"

Adrian straightened up a little, his expression turning apologetic. "Sorry I couldn't come by earlier, though. Got caught up with some stuff."

Claire waved her hand dismissively. "It's fine, no big deal. You're here now."

He glanced at the clock on the wall, tilting his head. "So, where are you headed? It's still a bit early to call it a night."

"Oh, Alexander booked a restaurant for the team," Claire replied, slipping the flower into her bag. "We're celebrating the success of the presentation."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, his tone carrying a hint of skepticism. "How nice of him. Alexander throwing a party? That's a first."

Claire smirked, catching the edge in his tone. "Who knows. Maybe he feels satisfied with the presentation."

"Hmm, well, I guess I'll let you head off then," Adrian said, though he didn't make any move to leave. "I'll head home. Just wanted to drop by."

a second, feeling bad that he came all this way

guard. "To the dinner? Are you sure that's okay? I mean, I'm not exactly part of the

softly. "It's just dinner, Adrian. No

thought about it for a second, then nodded. "Alright, if you

outside, Adrian opened the passenger door of his car for her with a playful bow.

took about 30 minutes, with the two of them talking and laughing along the way. When they finally arrived at the Pier Restaurant, Claire stepped inside and immediately noticed how quiet it was. It was almost too quiet. Only her team was there, scattered

nodding at them as she made her way over to Alexander. His face lit up when he saw her, but the moment he spotted

doing here?" Alexander asked, his

a cold reaction. "I invited him," she said, her tone firm but

"He's not part of the team, Claire. And

into her shoulders. "You're being paranoid, Alexander.

convinced, but he didn't push it further. He just muttered under

glancing around the empty restaurant.

"I booked the whole restaurant. Thought it'd be nice to have the place to

board with the idea. "Isn't that a bit... much? People are going to

words against her. Before Claire could argue,

she nodded at Stephen

just wanted to thank you," Stephen said, his voice low. "For trusting me with this project. I know I wasn't sure at first, but I really appreciate you giving me a chance." Claire smiled, her

a little bashful but grateful.

she whispered, "You're welcome anytime to Cryptonic.

chair and thanked Abigail for her help earlier. Abigail

a lot of Abigail without you, the robot

room

and the clinking

as Abigail,

were having a