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."

soft "Of course, Ms. Peterson. Tell me if you need something, miss," as

envelope slowly, unfolding a thick card inside.

release invitation... for Venus AMD's latest project?" She laughed, genuinely

ahead, not only because of her hands-on involvement but because she never missed a single detail in the development process. But attending this little

placing the invitation back on her desk with a smile. She leaned back, already

slightly as she waited to be called in. Another round of questioning-it was getting old, but she understood why they kept circling back to

Matthew lounging in the waiting area, tapping his foot. When he noticed her, he

for another round?" he asked, a hint of teasing

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

"That's

The detective was already seated, waiting for them

she settled in. "Why bring Matthew in with me this time?" she

long. We just need some clarification on a few things you both

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

some fingerprints on the car, specifically the steering wheel. Care to

nodded. "As

were there.

We were looking for something. You know, searching usually

en FindNovel

trying not to smile. "And this

innocence. "Do I really need to explain

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

let out a long sigh,

across her face. "Fine,"

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

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,

Completely disappeared the next day, like they never existed." The detective frowned, giving them both