New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 389 Diabolical Plan

Claire stretched out on the couch in her office at Cryptonic, letting out a long, exaggerated sigh. She glanced around, taking in the peace and quiet.

It was a refreshing change from the constant buzz of Metacortex, not to mention the relentless media and police hounding her every move. "So, this is what it feels like to not be chased 24/7," she said, leaning back, her head sinking into the cushion. Matthew, who had just settled into a chair across from her, chuckled. "Enjoying your little vacation from chaos?"

Claire rolled her eyes but smiled. "Honestly, yes. I wish Metacortex could be more calm and quiet but unfortunately, my main business is all about connecting."

"Yeah, especially that meeting then that other meeting, and oh forgot the banquet and party. That thing wore me out."

Claire couldn't help but chuckled, hearing him ramble dramatically. "Seems like I need to stay here for a few days."

Matthew grinned. "Yeah, well, you deserve a break. Plus, it's a lot harder for the paparazzi to chase you down in here. I'd like to see them try to breach Cryptonic's security."

Claire laughed, but then something flickered in her mind a memory. She sat up a little straighter. "You know... speaking of things I should be dealing with..." She reached into her bag, pulling out a small, crumpled piece of paper.

Matthew's eyes followed her hand. "That's not your shopping list, is it?"

Claire shook her head, a more serious expression settling on her face. "No, this is from Bruno's body. It's the only thing I didn't give to the police."

Matthew's eyes twinkled with amusement. "You know what people said about keeping stuff from a death body?"

She rolled her eyes. "Ha ha...funny Matthew." Claire looks down at the paper she is holding between her fingers. "I don't know. Call it a hunch, but I feel like this is connected to me, personally. I should've handed it over, I know that. But something's telling me I need to handle this myself."

Matthew raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. "And what does your gut say? You thinking of calling whoever's on that paper?"

Claire sighed, leaning back again, and looking at the ceiling. "Eventually. I just... I don't know what I'm walking into with this. I'll call when I'm ready."

light. "You know how these things go. If your gut's telling you something, it's probably right." Then, in an attempt to steer the conversation away from all the tension, Matthew grinned and leaned back

raised her eyebrows in surprise and chuckled. "Wow, it's been a while since I've heard her name. That's one

now. Probably enjoying her life pretending to

master manipulator. She's been pretending to be insane just so she can get

long game, I'll give

blinked, confused. "What do you mean? Hire someone

"Think about it. If Lisa's pretending to be crazy, that means she's getting treatment, right? She's seeing a therapist or a psychiatrist or whatever. You could hire someone like, a private investigator-who poses as a doctor, but not a real therapist. That way, they can keep tabs on

pretty good idea. Why didn't I think of

clearly proud of himself. "Hey, that's why you keep me around.

"Alright, genius.

not a bad

if we hire someone

e gatherne

she's faking it, we can throw her back

she belongs."

open up to this 'doctor' right away. But once she does, we'll have everything we need to

drummed her fingers on

part well enough to fool her. If she catches even a whiff of suspicion,

"We need someone who's sharp, professional, and subtle.

have the proof, there's no way she can weasel her way out." Matthew grinned. "Sounds like a plan. And then, once she's back behind bars, you can

she'll probably try to come up with some new scheme even from prison.

his head with a smirk. "That woman really

Claire sighed, standing up from the couch and stretching. "But, one problem at a time. First, we deal with her, then we

connected?" Matthew asked, glancing at the crumpled note in her