New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 351 Strolling in Paris

The car wound its way through the Paris streets, the famous landmarks of the city passing by as they headed toward the iconic Eiffel Tower. Claire stared out the window, feeling a little conflicted. She knew she needed to get back to London and bury herself in work, but there was something refreshing about Adrian's carefree attitude. For once, maybe he was right-maybe she did need a break. "Adrian," she said after a moment, "you know this doesn't mean I'm going to start slacking off, right?"

He laughed, turning to her with a teasing grin. "Oh, I wouldn't dare think that. But even the toughest, most hardworking people need a little fun now and then. You're allowed to enjoy yourself."

Claire gave him a sideways glance. "You've got a point. But just so you know, I'm already mentally preparing to dive back into work the second we're back in London."

Adrian shook his head in mock disbelief. "I wouldn't expect anything less. But for now, just enjoy Paris. You deserve it."

Soon, the car pulled up near the Eiffel Tower, the iron giant looming overhead, glittering against the twilight sky. Claire gazed up at it, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She'd been to Paris plenty of times, but there was something about seeing the Eiffel Tower like this, with its golden lights twinkling, that never got old.

Adrian jumped out of the car first and extended a hand to help Claire out, his grin wide and goofy. "M'lady," he said, putting on an exaggerated posh accent.

Claire rolled her eyes, but couldn't help the laugh that escaped her. "You're ridiculous," she said, taking his hand and stepping out of the car.

They walked over to a quieter spot where they could get a perfect view of the tower. Adrian stood beside her, hands in his pockets, as they both looked up at the iconic structure.

"Pretty nice, huh?" Adrian said, nudging her gently.

"Yeah," Claire admitted, her voice soft. "It is."

Claire allowed herself to feel at ease. Adrian glanced over at her and saw the tension in her shoulders start to

Claire said quietly, not looking at him. "I didn't realize how much I

grin widened. "See? I told you. You just needed

yeah. Don't

a little while, Claire forgot about the chaos back in London, about Alexander, Claudia, and all the drama. Here, it was just her and Adrian, enjoying a

sun was just about to dip below the horizon, casting a soft orange glow over Paris. Claire and Adrian were strolling leisurely near the Eiffel Tower, the iconic structure bathed

in Paris," he started, casually but with a hint of mischief

head, studying him for a moment. "Oh, so you planned this, didn't you? You

on his face widening. "But come on, how often do we get to have

tugged at her lips. "Fine," she said, pretending to be reluctant, though she was clearly enjoying the idea. She nodded, and they made their way back to the

of a restaurant. Claire raised her brows, giving him a sideways glance.

"I like to

ride wasn't long-about 20 minutes-but the whole time, the mood between them stayed light and playful. They exchanged jokes and stories, laughing easily as the city passed by outside. When they arrived at the restaurant, the golden hour was fading into twilight. The car pulled up to a beautiful, fancy-looking place. Adrian stepped out first and, with a gentlemanly flourish, offered his hand to Claire. She hesitated for a second, then took it, letting him help

its fancy vibe, the restaurant felt comfortable. Adrian spoke to the hostess, and soon enough, they were being led to a table near the window. Claire slid into her seat, glancing out at the sparkling Paris skyline, while Adrian took the seat

The tension of the past few days seemed to melt away

you might like it. Paris at sunset, a

everything and nothing, from funny stories about work to silly observations about the tourists they'd seen

it was as delicious as expected. They took their time, savoring every bite, but it was during dessert that things began to shift. Adrian's mood, white still

touched

something?" she asked with a