New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 356 It’s All Over The Internet

Matthew barged into Claire's office, as he usually did, without so much as a knock. Claire, who had been peacefully scrolling through some documents on her computer, jolted in her chair. She turned to glare at him, her voice dripping with mock annoyance. "There's this magical thing called knocking, you know," she said, raising an eyebrow.

Matthew just chuckled and plopped himself down in the chair opposite her desk, completely unfazed. Leaning forward, his eyes gleamed with excitement. "Tell me."

Claire blinked, confused. "Tell you what?"

Matthew rolled his eyes dramatically, making it clear he wasn't in the mood for her games. "Oh, come on. Don't play dumb with me. Tell me about your date! Last night!"

An "oh" slipped out of Claire's lips as a teasing smile slowly spread across her face. "Why are you so eager?" she asked, crossing her arms and leaning back in her chair, clearly enjoying Matthew's enthusiasm.

"Of course I'm eager!" Matthew exclaimed, throwing his hands up in the air. "This is the first time I've seen you dating anyone since, like... ever!"

Claire laughed softly, feeling her cheeks warm as memories of last night came flooding back-Adrian's confession, her own shy admission, and of course, that sweet, passionate kiss. A blush crept up her face, and it didn't go unnoticed.

"Oh, look at that blush!" Matthew teased, leaning even closer. "Something juicy happened, didn't it?"

Claire rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips. "Fine," she relented. "We had dinner, and it was... nice. Really nice."

Matthew's eyebrows shot up. "That's it? 'Nice'? C'mon, Claire. You're killing me here."

Claire bit her lip, a playful glint in her eye. "Well... when we left the restaurant, I kinda just... told him how I felt."

Matthew's grin widened. "Go on."

"And then," Claire continued, twirling a pen between her fingers, "the next thing I know, Adrian kissed me."

Matthew nearly jumped out of his chair, his excitement almost comical. "He kissed you?! Like a real kiss? How was it? Tell me everything!"

she laughed. "Yes, a real kiss. And it was... amazing. I didn't think it would happen so quickly, but it felt right.

for you, Claire. Seriously.

respond, the door to her office flew open again, and Sandra,

said, making her way to the desk, "you're trending

her smile fading into confusion. "I'm

and news articles about her and Adrian from the night before. There was a shot of the two

frowned, her finger hovering over the screen. "Wait... is this really

moment. Everyone's talking about you

her chair, feeling the weight of the situation settle over her. "Great," she

her voice calm and professional. "I can have it removed from the news

for a moment,

The photos, the news-it was all

only stir up

it wasn't like she could keep her relationship

under her arm. "As you wish. I'll leave it alone." She turned

fine. I'm not going to hide it, and honestly, it's probably better if we don't make a big deal out

point. But man,

rang, the sharp sound cutting through the room. She glanced at the caller

phone

was calm but direct,

"Claire, I just wanted to inform you that the trial continuation is scheduled for Friday. You'll need to be there by 9 AM. I'll send over the updated

QUMS

sighed, rubbing her temples. "Thanks for the heads-up, David. I appreciate it. Do

the meantime, I heard that

after she was being discharged. And