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..."

done this privately,

care what she's

was so fickle, and half of

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 badly and

leaning back in her chair. Exactly, she thought. How can someone be

office opened, and Matthew walked

been more careful.

eyebrow, leaning against the doorway. "Seems like she's not too worried

reaching for her bag. "No, she's not. And that's exactly why she's going to trip

small grin tugging at his

to brunch," Claire replied, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "You want to

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 the big chair while you're

rolled her eyes but smiled. "As if that's not what you

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

the door. "Try not to mess anything

after

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

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

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 they were out of sight, she let out a long breath, sinking into the leather seat. The video had only been

out her

pouring in. Some were supportive, some tearing Claudia apart, and some just making jokes out of the whole ordeal. Claire chuckled to herself as she scrolled through the chaos. She locked her phone and tossed it

30-minute drive

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 bistro tucked away from the main streets,

her. "Good afternoon, do you have a

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

hostess said, leading her through the

her as she was shown to a corner table near the window. She took her seat, and the hostess handed her