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?"

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

couldn't suppress her grin. "You really

back to open the car

settled, Adrian hopped into the driver's seat, and they drove off, the city lights flashing by in a blur. Claire found herself feeling more at ease than she had in a while, the tension of her busy day fading as they chatted.

having such a relaxed evening. He sat at a fancy restaurant, swirling his wine glass, his eyes narrowed. Across from him, Christian was watching him with concern

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

another drink. "Why should I? I feel like crap. Claire's out there with him," he spat the word out like

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

wine glass, his jaw clenched. "I'm not giving up on her, Christian. I know I messed up, I know I treated her

a moment before sighing again. He had anticipated this kind of meltdown, but being 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, and he checked

call real quick," Christian said, standing up.

eyes and walked off, searching for a quieter spot

about to call for the waiter when something caught his eye.. Across

Was that... Claire?

further. And then, just behind her, he saw him Adrian Saint Laurent. Alle the blood in his body seemed to boil at once. Without thinking, he marched toward them, fury bubbling

nce

enjoy the warm atmosphere of the restaurant when she noticed Alexander storming toward her, his face flushed and angry. Her stomach dropped. Oh no. Not here. Not now. "Alexander?" she said, her voice laced with surprise and a touch

this?" Alexander snapped, ignoring Adrian completely as he glared at her. "You're here with

stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Hey, man, let's not do this

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

"Alexander, what are you doing

bitterly, gesturing vaguely behind him to where Christian was presumably still on the phone.

tension thickening around them, and the last thing she wanted was to cause a scene. "Look, I don't want to do this right now. We're just