New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 355 “This can't be happening.”

The glass hit the floor with a sharp crash, and hot coffee splattered everywhere, but Alexander didn't care. His eyes were glued to the screen of his iPad, his grip tightening so hard around it that the device looked like it might snap in half. His heart pounded in his chest as he stared at the images.

"This can't be happening."

On the screen was a photo of Claire. But it wasn't just Claire-it was Claire, smiling brightly as Adrian twirled her around in some romantic dance. And then, the one that made his blood boil-the two of them kissing.

Kissing.

Alexander felt a surge of anger rises in his throat, his vision swimming with red. Without thinking, he threw the iPad onto the couch, his jaw clenched so tight it hurt.

"Dammit!" he cursed aloud, storming toward his bedroom, his hand already pulling his phone out of his pocket. He dialed Claire's number, pacing back and forth, his frustration growing with every unanswered ring. Of course, she wasn't picking up.

He let out another curse and tried again, only to get her voicemail. "Claire, call me back. Now." His morning was already shot to hell, and the day hadn't even really started.

Meanwhile, across town, Claire woke up feeling like she was on cloud nine. The morning sunlight filtered into her room, and as she stretched out in bed, she replayed the events of the previous night in her head.

A smile crept across her face, and she couldn't help the blush that followed. It was like something out of a high school romance, and she buried her face in her pillow, giggling softly to herself.

"Get a grip, Claire," she whispered, but it was no use. She was smitten.

With a soft sigh, she finally got up, deciding a nice hot shower and a cup of tea would be the perfect way to start her day. After freshening up and enjoying her tea, she was just about ready to head out when something or rather, someone caught her eye outside. Adrian.

He was leaning casually against his car, a bouquet of flowers in one hand and a pastry bag in the other. Claire's heart did a little flip, and she felt the grin spreading across her face before she could stop it.

"Could this guy be any more perfect?"

approaching him with a teasing smile.

beamed at her, holding out the flowers. "Good morning, beautiful. I wanted to see my

fingers brushing against his as she did. "You really didn't have

closer, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "A beautiful girl deserves beautiful flowers," he

she could respond, Adrian handed her the pastry bag. "And," he added with a grin, "you can't skip

shaking her head. "Okay, now you're just spoiling me. But seriously,

easy smile.

She glanced at the flowers in

did I get so

her, and Claire stepped inside, still smiling to herself as she buckled up. The ride to Metacortex was

would sneak a glance at Adrian, who seemed just as happy, his hand resting casually on

a few minutes, Adrian broke the silence, glancing at her with a grin. "So, how

considering it. "I don't know... My schedule's a

all day without taking a break. Besides, if

laughed, shaking her head. "Okay,

playful look. "Just looking out for

and kind in a way that made her feel safe. She sighed, looking out the window as they approached her office. "I'll try to make

pulled up in

easy today, alright? And don't forget about that pastry. I expect a full report

the door handle. "I'll make sure to text you

she could get out, Adrian leaned over, planting a

feeling all over again. "You too," she whispered before

toward the entrance of Metacortex, flowers in one hand, pastry in the other, Claire couldn't help but feel like her

place, Alexander was pacing the length of his bedroom, still fuming, his mind racing. He couldn't stop thinking about those photos, about Claire looking so... happy. With him. Adrian. It made his stomach churn with anger, and he felt his fists clench