New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 342 The Video

Alexander leaned back in his chair, staring at the screen. The video of Claudia was right there, waiting to be watched again. He had already seen it three times, but something about it still nagged at him. Maybe it was the forced smile she plastered on her face or the way she almost rolled her eyes when she apologized. He wasn't sure. But whatever it was, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was just another one of Claudia's games. The phone in his hand buzzed. Claire was calling.

"Claire," he answered, trying to keep his tone neutral.

"I got it," Claire said, her voice clipped and business-like as usual. "Claudia made the video and sent the letter. We'll upload it on Metacortex's social media."

Alexander nodded, though Claire couldn't see him. "Yeah, I figured you would. It's pretty polished for something so... last minute."

Claire didn't miss a beat. "Of course. We can't afford for this to get any messier than it already is."

Alexander couldn't help but wince. "Yeah, about that. You're sure this will smooth things over?"

"Alexander, I'm sure," Claire replied, her voice calm but firm. "But you need to make a statement as well. People are confused about what's happening. If you don't address it, they'll start speculating, and that's the last thing we need right now." He sighed. "Right. I'll put something together."

Claire didn't soften. "I hope this kind of mistake doesn't happen again, Alexander."

He clenched his jaw. The disappointment in her voice stung more than he'd like to admit. "I'll take care of it."

The line went silent for a moment, and then Claire said, "Good," before hanging up.

Alexander sat there for a while, staring at his phone, feeling... what? Sad? Disappointed? Maybe both. He did everything Claire asked him to, but it never seemed to be enough. No matter how hard he worked to clean up the messes or follow her lead, their relationship wasn't improving. She was always one step ahead of him, and he was stuck playing catch-up.

Shaking his head, he decided to pull up the video again. This time, he wasn't watching Claudia's stiff apology-he was reading the comments below it.

"Who is she???"

"Why is she even apologizing? Did I miss something?"

"This seems like a PR stunt..."

this privately, it's

care what she's

so fickle, and half of them didn't even know why they were watching the

compliments. She was analyzing every word, every reaction. Public perception was everything in her world, and Claudia's little stunt was bound

leaning back in her chair. Exactly, she thought.

her office opened, and Matthew walked in, looking curious. "She really made the

and nodded. "Yes. But she should've been more careful. This kind of

the doorway.

going to trip over herself at some point. You

grin tugging at his lips. "Where are you

replied, slinging her bag over her

head with a chuckle. "Already ate, but thanks. Though, I wouldn't mind hanging out here for a bit." He gave her a playful grin. "Maybe take

if that's not what you already

on his chest in mock offense. "Me? Take advantage of your

the door. "Try not to

he called after her with

beeline for the exit. She could already spot them-two journalists, armed with notepads and

Claudia Wright's apology video?" one of them blurted

nod, forced a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, and pushed through the glass doors to where her driver was waiting by the sleek black sedan. Without a word, she slid into the backseat and the car pulled away. As soon as

out her

Claudia Wright's Apology" was everywhere, and the comments were pouring in. Some were supportive, some tearing Claudia apart, and some just

30-minute drive

in a blur of city lights and quiet thoughts. Once they arrived, Claire stepped out of the car her heels clicking softly on the pavement. The restaurant was a cozy French

hostess greeted her. "Good afternoon, do you have

under Claire Peterson," she replied, still feeling the buzz from all the

the hostess said, leading her through the

the window. She took her seat, and the