New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 337 Deal with Claudia

Claire stormed back into her office like a hurricane, her heels clacking furiously against the floor. The door swung open, and she tossed her bag onto the couch with a dramatic flair. The poor couch groaned under the weight, but not as much as Matthew, who sat at her desk, completely startled. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of Claire, who was clearly having a 'day.' "Whoa, what's going on?" he asked, eyebrows shooting up in surprise. He had never seen her this worked up before.

Claire didn't even sit down. Nope, sitting was not happening today. Instead, she planted her hands on her hips like she was ready to take on the world-well, at least one very annoying world-and started pacing. Back and forth, back and forth. Her face was a mix of frustration and anger, and honestly, Matthew wasn't sure if she was going to explode or just keep pacing holes in the floor.

"Claire?" Matthew stood up, trying to make sense of it all, his voice more confused now than worried. "What happened?" He stepped closer, cautious as if she were a ticking time bomb.

Claire stopped dead in her tracks, right in front of him, her eyes locking onto his. The look she gave him made him flinch like he'd just stepped on a Lego. It was that intense.

"Is this...about the trial?" Matthew ventured, throwing out a wild guess. Given the look on her face, he was pretty sure he hit the nail on the head.

Claire let out a groan of pure frustration, loud enough that it could've shattered glass. "It's all a mess!" she practically yelled, throwing her hands up in the air like she was surrendering to the chaos of it all.

Matthew frowned. "Okay, what exactly happened?" He could feel his stomach knotting up; if Claire was this upset, things were definitely not good.

Claire wasted no time diving into her story, her words tumbling out in a rush. "So, I gave my testimony in court today, right? Everything was going as planned. And then it was supposed to be Lisa's turn-her lawyer was all ready to deny everything, as usual." Claire rolled her eyes so hard, that Matthew was surprised they didn't get stuck. "But right before the judge was about to make a decision, the court clerk ran up to him and whispered something."

"Uh-huh..." Matthew nodded along, his eyes wide with curiosity. "And?"

Claire crossed her arms, clearly annoyed just recalling it. "Turns out the clerk had some news about Lisa."

Matthew raised an eyebrow. "What kind of news?"

the hospital. Apparently, she

Matthew's jaw dropped. "Again?"

facing the consequences. She knows she's going to end up in jail, so this... this is her way out." Matthew

deep, tired sigh. "Well, after I found out about her little trip to the hospital, I went straight there to confront her. I needed to see her face. But guess

like he was

her door, and no matter what I said, they wouldn't let me in. I told them I was the victim, that I had every right to speak to

was in disbelief. "You're kidding me,

in the hospital, knowing she's out of reach. It's infuriating." Matthew walked over to the couch and sat down beside her, leaning back with a

as he felt. "I don't know. I honestly don't know. We didn't expect any of this to happen, and now it's all a big mess. I mean, she can't stay in

hint of a smirk tugging at his lips. "I don't know, Claire. You'd be surprised. If anyone can drag out a hospital stay, it's

groaned again, this time softer, as if she'd used up all her energy being mad. "You know what? I wouldn't even be

situation sink in. Claire stared at the ceiling like

guess we just wait and see what happens next. I mean, what else can we do? The system is going to drag this out as long as it can, and Lisa's just going to keep playing her games." Matthew nodded. "Yeah, but you know this isn't over. She

the couch and closed her eyes. "I know. But right now, it feels like

laptop shut for

moment, frustrated. She leaned

hair. Her office was quiet, buther mind was a mess. Lisa. The case. All the months of work. It felt like everything was slipping through her fingers and there was nothing she could do to stop it. She

thoughts away.

to her computer. But no matter how hard she tried to push the thoughts of Lisa

lightbulb flashing above her head, she suddenly remembered something. She grabbed her phone from the desk and quickly scrolled through her contacts, finding Alexander's name. Without wasting another second, she hit the dial button. It rang twice before he

help you with something?"