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..."

should've done this privately, it's so

care what she's apologizing for, she's

couldn't help but chuckle at that last one. The public was so fickle, and half of

her 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.

leaning back in her chair. Exactly, she thought. How

opened, and Matthew walked in, looking

should've been more careful. This kind of thing can spiral out of control if you're not

the doorway. "Seems like she's not too worried

And that's exactly why she's going to

tugging at his lips. "Where are

her bag over her

here for

eyes but smiled. "As if that's not

his hand on his chest in mock offense.

waved him off, heading for the door. "Try not to mess anything

promises," he called after her with

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

on Claudia Wright's apology video?" one

was waiting by the sleek black sedan. Without a word, she slid into the backseat and the car pulled away. As

out her

Apology" was everywhere, and the comments were pouring in. Some were supportive, some tearing Claudia apart, and some just making jokes out of the whole ordeal. Claire chuckled to

30-minute drive to

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, perfect for

greeted her. "Good afternoon, do you have

still feeling the buzz from

leading

near the window. She took her seat, and the hostess handed her a