New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 399 What’s Her Next Game?

The next morning, Claire opted for the helicopter instead of her usual car to get to Cryptonic, hoping to dodge the traffic that clogged the streets below. As they zipped over the city, Claire glanced down, thinking how much simpler life would be if problems were as easy to Once she touched down, she wasted no time heading to her office. Last night, she'd had a late conversation with Winnie, and despite it only being day two of the assignment, Claire was itching for an update on Lisa. What had Winnie learned so far? She was eager to find out.

bypass as morning gridlock. Unfortunately, with the mounting complications piling up, it didn't feel that way.

Around ten, Winnie arrived, her usual calm composure intact as she entered Claire's office. Claire motioned for her to sit down and asked her assistant, Billy, to bring in tea. As they waited, Claire studied Winnie, wondering if the mild-mannered therapist was finding the job as nerve-wracking as Claire had expected. When the tea arrived, Claire poured a cup for each of them, gesturing for Winnie to take hers. "Drink up, relax a bit," Claire said with a small smile.

Winnie smiled back, taking a sip before setting the cup down. "Thank you, Ms. Peterson."

"So," Claire leaned forward, fingers steepled under her chin, "how is everything going? How's the acting going with Lisa?"

Winnie took a deep breath, her fingers brushing the edge of her cup. "It's... going well, I think. But, honestly, it's still pretty nerve-wracking. Every time I walk into that room, I'm reminded I'm breaking the law. Fake credentials, fake identity-it's a lot."

Claire nodded, her expression softening slightly. She knew it was a lot to ask, but they didn't exactly have other options. "I get it. Believe me, I know this isn't an easy role to play. But we need to understand Lisa's angle. Her whole fake-crazy act has a reason, and I need to know what it is."

Winnie took another sip of tea, and then cleared her throat. "So, it's only been two days, so I haven't gotten too far. But yesterday, Lisa was more talkative. We even played a game of chess."

"Chess?" Claire raised her eyebrows. "Interesting choice for a therapy session."

"I need to get something out of her," Winnie explained, "and while we played, I casually asked her what she'd do if she had to 'eliminate' her enemies. Just a hypothetical." Claire's brows shot up. "Oh? Do tell."

low. "She said, 'Enemies aren't as hard to deal with as everyone thinks. You just have to play smarter. I'll

to deal with... wait until they show weakness... It sounded like Lisa was waiting, biding her time. But how could she do anything if she was stuck inside a psychiatric ward? Claire frowned, a sense of unease

had any visitors?" Claire

I was there,

Lisa's mother was the only family

Winnie confirmed. "But I'll keep an eye out

Winnie's thoroughness. "Thanks. This is good work, Winnie.

stood up, brushing imaginary dust off her coat. "Well, I'd better get going. Today's my third session

both serious and a bit playful. "Careful in there. Lisa's not exactly predictable, and I wouldn't be surprised if she tries something. Just... keep your wits

cleared her throat. "I'll do my best. Thanks, Ms.

that, Winnie headed

her

sitting in silence, Claire sighed heavily. The whole situation felt like it was closing in on her. Nothing was easing up, not even a little. Tomorrow, she'd have to go back to the police station for another round of questioning about that dead body in the trunk. And it wasn't even her fault! She'd just been caught in someone else's mess. Claire muttered a curse under her breath, aimed at whoever had led

leave Cryptonic and head over to Metacortex for a meeting. The helicopter was waiting, so she hopped in and took off, letting the

finally arrived at Metacortex, Sandra, her assistant, met her at the entrance and escorted her to the meeting room. As Claire stepped inside, her business partner, a tall man with sharp features and an easy smile, stood to greet her. "Claire! Good to

"Always a pleasure. Ready

next half hour discussing different ideas, throwing

Claire asked at

on the table thoughtfully. "It's promising, definitely something we could explore. But

be managed. Think of the PR value alone.