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."

with a soft "Of course, Ms. Peterson. Tell me if you

unfolding a thick

the fancy text, then she let out a scoff. "A press release invitation... for Venus AMD's latest project?" She laughed, genuinely amused. "Oh,

She was hardly 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? That could be entertaining. At least it would break up her

She leaned back, already imagining Frank's face when

p.m. 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 understood why they kept circling back to her. She'd been there when it happened, after all. Anyone would think she was the

the waiting area, tapping his foot. When he noticed her, he stood

he asked, a hint of

with mock enthusiasm. "Can't wait

"That's

them toward the familiar, bleak little room they'd visited before. The detective was already seated, waiting for them with an expectant look. "Have a seat," he said, motioning toward

bring Matthew in with me this time?" she asked,

be long. We just need some clarification on a few things

with Matthew, who gave a tiny

leaned forward. "We found some fingerprints on the car, specifically the steering wheel. Care to

nodded. "As

were there.

why wouldn't we? We were looking for something. You know, searching usually

en FindNovel

trying not to smile. "And this

head, feigning innocence. "Do I really need to explain every

firmly, "especially if you don't want us to start jumping to conclusions. You

a

her face. "Fine,"

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

"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

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