New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 357 Drunk Alexander

Matthew leaned against Claire's desk, tapping his fingers lightly as he grinned at her. "So, you heading out soon or what?"

Claire glanced up from her computer, blinking a few times as she stretched her arms. "Yeah, actually. Adrian asked me to dinner." She tried to sound casual, but the slight blush on her cheeks gave her away. Matthew's grin only widened. "Adrian, huh? Well, well, well. Look at you. Going on actual dates now. What happened to 'I'm too busy for romance'?"

Claire rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Oh, shut up. It's just dinner."

"Right," Matthew teased, folding his arms. "Dinner. With the guy you clearly like."

Claire grabbed a pen and playfully threw it at him. "Don't you have somewhere to be?"

Matthew caught the pen with a chuckle. "Not really. But I'm definitely enjoying this."

Shaking her head, Claire stood up, gathering her things. "Goodbye, Matthew. Try not to hack into anything too crazy while I'm gone."

"No promises," he called after her, grinning as he waved. "Enjoy your date!"

Claire waved him off, heading toward the elevator. She was excited, though she tried to keep her cool. When she stepped outside of the building, her eyes immediately landed on Adrian, leaning casually against his car, looking as handsome as ever. The streetlights cast a soft glow over him, making him look almost unreal. And when his eyes met hers, they lit up like they always did when he saw her.

"Hey, gorgeous," Adrian said, pushing off the car and walking toward her. His smile was easy, natural, and always seemed to have this effortless charm.

Claire couldn't help but smile back. "Hey yourself."

He opened his arms, inviting her into a quick hug, which she accepted. "How was your day?" he asked as they pulled back, his voice warm.

"Busy, as usual," Claire replied with a small shrug. "You?"

in closer, his tone playful. "Pretty much the same. Though

grin.

chuckled, stepping back to open the car

ease than she had in a while, the tension of her busy day fading as they chatted. She tried to focus on the moment, pushing aside any lingering

evening. He sat at a fancy restaurant, swirling his wine glass, his eyes narrowed. Across from him, Christian was watching him with concern as Alexander downed yet

Christian said carefully, "you've already finished two bottles of this

pouring himself another drink. "Why should I? I feel like crap. Claire's out there with him," he spat the word out like it left a bad taste in his

his neck. "Look, I get it. It sucks. I didn't expect her to move on with Adrian either, but you've gotta let it go, man. Claire's

know I messed up,

stuck in the middle of it wasn't ideal. Especially since he was supposed to be meeting Talia tonight, fresh off her flight from France. His phone buzzed with a text from her,

quick," Christian said, standing up. "I'll be right

about Talia than him. Christian just rolled his eyes and walked off, searching for a

He scowled, about to call for the waiter when something caught his eye.. Across the restaurant, a woman had just walked in. He squinted, trying to make sure his booze-soaked brain wasn't

Was that... Claire?

saw him Adrian Saint Laurent. Alle the blood in his body seemed to boil at once. Without thinking, he marched

nce

her, his face flushed and angry. Her stomach dropped. Oh no. Not here. Not now. "Alexander?" she said, her voice laced with surprise and

completely as he glared at her.

voice calm but firm. "Hey, man, let's

his eyes filled with contempt. "Stay out of this, Saint

"Alexander, what

behind him to where Christian was presumably still on the phone. "But imagine my surprise when I see you walk

the last thing she wanted was to cause a scene. "Look, I don't