New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 401 Invitation

clock on her wall, slightly impatient, but kept her tone upbeat.

Claire leaned back in her office chair, putting her phone on speaker while continuing her conversation in rapid French. Her business partner in Paris was on the other end, droning on about projected quarterly figures and potential expansions. She glanced at the ornate "Écoute, Louis," (Listen) she said, leaning forward. "The numbers look good, but we have to focus on quality over quantity. Expansion means nothing if we lose our brand's integrity."

"Ah, Claire," Louis laughed on the other end. "Toujours si prudente! But you're right. Still, the shareholders expect growth." (Always so careful!)

"Oui, oui," (Yes) she sighed with a smile. "But only if it makes sense, yes? Let's not lose our heads for profit."

"Très bien," (Alright) Louis agreed. "I'll let them know. But we may need a new strategy. We'll talk more next week?"

"D'accord," (All right) Claire replied. "Let's set it up. Merci, Louis."

"Merci à toi, Claire. Au revoir." (Thank you, Claire. Bye.)

As she ended the call, a gentle knock on the door drew her attention. "Come in," she called.

Sandra, her assistant, slipped in, holding a crisp white envelope. She had that polite, knowing smile Claire was so used to by now. "I apologize for interrupting you, Ms. Peterson."

"Do you need something, Sandra?" Claire asked, tilting her head.

Sandra's smile widened as she placed the envelope on Claire's desk. "This came in for you. I don't know who it's from; just received it at the front desk with strict instructions that it was for you personally."

Claire raised a brow, eyeing the envelope like it might contain a bomb. "Really?" She prodded it lightly with her finger, curiosity piqued. "Should I be concerned?"

Sandra smirked. "Want me to open it?"

Claire shook her head. "No, it's fine. Thanks for bringing it, Sandra."

nodded, leaving her with a soft "Of course, Ms. Peterson.

Claire opened the envelope slowly, unfolding a thick card inside. She read it, muttering to herself,

"A press release invitation... for Venus

her hands-on involvement but because she never missed a single detail in the development process. But attending this little event? That could be entertaining.

She leaned back, already imagining

sharp, Claire found herself at the police station, fidgeting slightly as she waited to be called in. Another round of questioning-it was getting old, but she

Matthew lounging in the waiting area, tapping his foot.

another round?" he asked, a hint

replied with mock enthusiasm. "Can't wait to sit through another

chuckled. "That's

bleak little room they'd visited before. The detective was already seated, waiting for them with an expectant look. "Have a

as she settled in. "Why bring Matthew in

detective shrugged. "Won't be long. We just need some clarification on a few

exchanged a quick glance with Matthew, who gave a tiny nod, his expression

on the car, specifically the steering wheel. Care to

"As

we were there. We both

why wouldn't we? We were looking for

en FindNovel

not to smile. "And

"Do

jumping to conclusions. You were found near a dead body, Ms. Peterson. This

let out a long

her face.

trying to track someone down. Someone who's been messing with our technology, tampering with

duo?" Matthew cleared his throat. "We didn't exactly have a choice. We had reason to believe this person was a serious threat." "Alright." The detective nodded, jotting down notes. "Do you still

next day, like they never existed." The detective frowned, giving them both a long, scrutinizing look. "And you have no