New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 346 Caught Her Off Guard

Matthew glanced up at Claire, eyebrows raised. "What's the plan after this? Just leak it all?"

Claire didn't answer right away. Instead, she leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers on the desk, deep in thought. Then, with a sudden decision, she buzzed her intercom. "Sandra, get me the jet ready. I'm heading to France." Sandra's voice crackled through the speaker, steady as ever. "On it, Ms. Peterson."

Matthew's eyes went wide. "Wait, wait, wait-France? You're going to France? Like, right now?"

Claire smirked. "What better way to deal with Claudia than face-to-face? I'm not going to sit back and play digital chess. I want her to see me coming."

Matthew crossed his arms, eyebrows knitting together. "But, Claire, come on! You can't just—”

Claire held up a hand to stop him. "I can and I will. Besides, I prefer confronting her directly rather than dealing with this mess from a distance. She's not going to get away with this."

Matthew sat up straight, shaking his head. "Then let me come with you. I'll be there to back you up! You know, in case things get... messy."

Claire rolled her eyes, already anticipating his argument. "Matthew, I need you here in London. You're better off at the office, tracking Claudia's movements. If she's pulling strings, I want to know about it, and you're the best at sniffing out her next moves." Matthew slumped in his seat, looking like a disappointed kid who'd just been told he couldn't go to Disneyland. "But... France! Come on, Claire! I wanna help!"

She chuckled softly, used to his whining by now. "I'll bring you back a souvenir," she teased, unable to resist.

Instantly, Matthew's face lit up, his childish grin spreading ear to ear. "Deal! But it better be a cool souvenir. None of that cheesy Eiffel Tower keychain stuff."

Claire shook her head, smiling despite herself. She had no idea how someone so calculating and brilliant could also be such a complete child sometimes. Standing up, she slung her bag over her shoulder and started for the door.

Just as she reached the threshold, Matthew called after her. "Claire."

shifted, the playfulness replaced by something serious. "Be careful,

a brief moment, Claire softened. She gave him a small, appreciative smile

at her desk. "Have my car ready in the lobby," Claire instructed, and without missing a beat, Sandra got to work on her phone. Claire made a quick call, her mind already focused on the

with no response. Claire didn't so much as glance in their

to the airport dragged on longer than she'd hoped. After an hour of sitting in traffic, Claire huffed in frustration,

the car the second it stopped. The air stewardess and

one of the plush seats, was Adrian, looking like

guard. "Adrian? What are

"Heard you

gave him a knowing look.

his hands up in surrender. "Guilty. He thought

into the seat across

out in the seat, clearly unbothered. "I've got plenty of time, and besides, what

twitching upward in a smirk. 'Productive, huh? You just want a front-row seat to

glint in his eye. "But also, this is important. I read what happened online and I don't know what are you planning but I want to be there for you." Claire sighed, running a hand through her hair. "That's

to hum

to life.

the runway. Adrian, though usually lighthearted, seemed more focused than usual. She knew he wasn't just there for entertainment. He was the kind of guy who had her back, no matter how messy things

the jet lifted into the air, Adrian broke the silence. "So, what's the game plan once we land? And who are

Claire says her name

Claudia's doorstep and say

"Definitely not that. But I haven't really thought about it. However, since I want to get this done fast, head over

laptop with a flourish and glancing at Adrian. "Alright, ready for a little