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."

leaving her with a soft "Of course, Ms. Peterson. Tell me if you need something,

thick card inside. She read it, muttering to

for Venus

concerned-she knew Metacortex was miles 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 event?

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

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

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

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

replied with mock enthusiasm. "Can't

chuckled. "That's the

toward the familiar, bleak little room they'd visited before. The detective was already seated, waiting for them with

as she settled in. "Why bring Matthew in with me

"Won't be long. We just need some clarification on a few things you

glance with Matthew, who gave

found some fingerprints on the car, specifically the steering wheel.

nodded. "As I've

there.

we? We were looking for

en FindNovel

to smile. "And this 'something' you

innocence. "Do I really need

he replied firmly, "especially if you don't want us to start jumping to conclusions. You were found near a dead body, Ms. Peterson. This isn't

let out a

her face.

in a clipped tone. "We were trying to track someone down. Someone who's been messing with our technology, tampering with things they

detective's eyebrows shot up. "And you thought you'd just follow the trail yourselves, like some detective duo?" Matthew cleared his throat. "We didn't exactly have a choice. We had reason

like they never existed." The detective frowned, giving them both a long, scrutinizing look.