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."

you something, it's probably right." Then, in an attempt to steer the conversation away from all the

"Wow, it's been a while since I've heard her name. That's

spotlight now.

such a master manipulator. She's been pretending to be

"Well, she's good at playing the long game, I'll give her that. But

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

getting into his idea. "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

"Hey, that's why

"Alright,

a bad plan. Lisa

especially if we hire someone with the

e gatherne

she's faking it, we can

she belongs."

She won't open up to this 'doctor' right away. But once she does, we'll have everything we need to

her fingers on

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

Matthew agreed. "We need someone who's sharp, professional, and subtle. Lisa's not stupid-she'll

someone. And once we 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,

with some new scheme even from prison. I wouldn't put it past

head with a smirk.

up from the couch and stretching. "But, one problem at a time. First, we deal with

Matthew asked, glancing at the crumpled