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."

came all this way just to leave again. "Actually, why

"To the dinner? Are you sure that's

just dinner, Adrian. No

for a second, then nodded.

When they got outside, Adrian opened the passenger door of his car for her with a

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

approached, Claire's team greeted her, and she smiled, nodding at them as she made her way over to Alexander. His face lit up

here?" Alexander asked, his voice

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

"He's not part of the team, Claire. And who knows? He might snitch

the tension creeping into her shoulders. "You're being paranoid, Alexander. I trust Adrian. He wouldn't

it further. He just muttered

the empty restaurant.

chair, looking rather pleased with himself. "I booked the

idea. "Isn't that a bit... much? People are going to notice. It'll just make them more

words against her. Before Claire could argue, Stephen approached their table, looking a bit nervous. "Ms. Peterson, can I talk to you for a

she nodded at Stephen

me with this project. I know I wasn't sure at first, but I really appreciate you giving me a chance." Claire smiled, her expression softening. "You've been great, Stephen. I knew you had the

a little bashful but grateful. "Thanks,

"You're welcome anytime to Cryptonic. Just keep it

leaned back in her chair and thanked Abigail for her help earlier. Abigail smiled and

"No, you help a lot of Abigail without you, the

dining room buzzed

the

as Abigail, Claire,

having a