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."

in silence for a moment, just taking in the view. The lights of Paris stretched out beneath them, and for the first time in a long time, Claire allowed herself to feel at

not looking at him. "I

"See? I told you. You just needed to stop and

"Yeah, yeah. Don't get too

and easy. For a little while, Claire forgot about the chaos back in London, about Alexander, Claudia,

orange glow over Paris. Claire and Adrian were strolling leisurely near the Eiffel Tower, the iconic

we're already in Paris," he started, casually but with a hint of mischief in his voice, "why don't we have dinner here? You know, make the most

eyebrow, amused. She tilted her head, studying him for a moment. "Oh, so you planned this, didn't you? You wanted to make sure we didn't go back?" She teased, her

come on, how

said, pretending to be reluctant, though she was clearly enjoying the idea. She nodded, and they made

backseat, Adrian leaned forward and gave the driver the address of

winked. "I like to be

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

touch. The decor was luxurious without being intimidating, and despite its fancy vibe, the restaurant felt comfortable. Adrian spoke to the hostess, and soon enough, they were

surprisingly relaxed. The tension of the past few

you might like it. Paris at

to talk about everything and nothing, from funny stories about work to silly observations about the tourists they'd seen earlier. Claire found herself laughing more than she had in

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 warm, grew a little more serious. Claire didn't notice at first-she was too busy

touched hers across

blinked and looked up, slightly startled. "Need something?" she asked with a half-smile, her eyes questioning