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 so awkward to

care what she's apologizing for,

and half of them didn't even know why they were

desk, watching the same video with a cold, detached expression. She scrolled through the comments as well, but her focus was different. She wasn't amused by the confusion or the random compliments. She was analyzing every word, every reaction. Public perception was everything in her world, and Claudia's little stunt was bound to stir up mixed reactions. One comment caught her eye: "How can someone mess up this

in her chair. Exactly, she thought. How can someone

office opened, and Matthew walked in, looking curious. "She

looked up, calm as ever, and nodded. "Yes. But she should've been more careful. This kind of thing

against the doorway. "Seems like she's not

bag. "No, she's not. And that's exactly why she's going to trip over herself at some point. You can't be that careless in

small grin tugging at his lips. "Where are

Claire replied, slinging her

his 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 over

that's not what

in mock offense. "Me? Take advantage of your

off, heading for the door. "Try not

after her with

in place, making a beeline for the exit. She could already spot them-two journalists, armed with notepads and microphones, hovering by the

Wright's apology video?" one

Without a word, she slid into the backseat and the car pulled away. As soon as they

pulled out her phone,

tearing Claudia apart, and some just making jokes out of the whole ordeal. Claire chuckled to herself

30-minute drive to

the car her heels clicking softly on the pavement.

"Good afternoon, do you have

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

said, leading her

the window. She took her seat, and the