New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 413 Showing Up at Her Penthouse

In a hurry, Christian burst through the office door, barely giving it a knock. "Alex, you won't believe this-Claire's been arrested!"

Alexander's eyes widened as he straightened up from his desk, looking almost baffled by the news. "Arrested? Are you serious?" He could hardly believe it, but Christian thrust his phone in Alexander's direction, the headline already blaring across the screen. Alexander took the phone, reading the news alert multiple times as if expecting it to change with each read-through.

"It's real?" he asked, still staring at the screen, disbelief etched across his face.

"Unfortunately, yes," Christian confirmed with a solemn nod. "There's even a video clip of her being escorted into the police car."

Alexander handed Christian's phone back and sighed, quickly pulling his own phone out and dialing Claire's number. Unsurprisingly, it went straight to voicemail. Of course, if she was actually in a cell somewhere, answering his calls would be impossible. He clenched his jaw, frustrated.

Christian watched his boss with a knowing look. "Are we going down there?"

Alexander shook his head reluctantly, leaning back against his desk. "No. If I show up, it'll only create more of a media circus. I'll wait until things calm down and call her later." He tried to sound convincing, but Christian could see Alexander's hesitation. "Besides," he added, more to himself, "Claire will hate the extra attention."

Meanwhile, at Venus AMD, Frank was busy nursing a bruised ego. Monday's disastrous press release was still fresh in everyone's minds, and the board members had not been pleased far from it. His phone was already ringing with business partners calling to complain about Venus' incompetence, and some even hinted that their brand image was being tarnished by association with Venus. Frank could barely look at his phone anymore without seeing a new message about the debacle. Every news story he'd seen about the press event had a certain name attached to it that he despised: Claire. Despite his big plans, she'd managed to steal the spotlight just by stepping in to fix a botched presentation.

The knock on his door startled him out of his fuming, and he growled, "Come in!"

Robert walked in, not looking the least bit intimidated by Frank's irritation. He held a remote and looked at Frank, raising an eyebrow. "You're going to want to see this," he said, turning on the television. The news flickered onto the screen, and there it was-another Claire headline.

Frank frowned. "What's this now?"

Robert nodded at the screen. "Claire Peterson. She's at the police station. Rumor is, there's enough evidence to keep her there for a while."

each passing second. "Finally. This is exactly the kind of news I

questioning look. "I wouldn't be so quick to celebrate. But, I guess... it could mean the spotlight shifts away from our

his mind. "Imagine what this could mean for us! We should make a statement-something about how Metacortex can't

know some people might bring up the press release

talking about Claire and

though he still looked skeptical. Frank could feel his plans setting into

screen to see if there were any updates on Claire's situation. After what felt like an eternity, a notification popped up with a

showed Claire stepping out of the police station, accompanied by a woman he didn't

Claire ask for his help? Was Saint Laurent involved in her release? He doubted she'd ask for help like that, but it only made him more curious. He found himself feeling oddly possessive, wanting

few moments

up

wouldn't answer

go see her in person. He tried to rationalize his decision, telling himself he'd make it about the hotel's reputation, how her latest scandal could impact the Harris Hotel's image. It was a weak excuse, but at least it would get him through the door. He'd rather argue with her than

finally parked outside her place, his fingers drumming impatiently on the steering wheel. He make his way up to her penthouse

crossed and eyes narrowed. "What are you doing here, Alexander?"

in mock surrender. "Heard you made the headlines again,

half as dramatic as they're making it out to be," she muttered, though her sigh gave away her frustration. She shut the door behind him and motioned to the living room. "Sit down if you're staying

explain?" he asked, folding his arms. "Because it's not just Metacortex on the line here. If this thing blows up, Harris

she shot back. "And I've already thought about it." She took a deep breath, visibly trying to calm herself before looking at him. "Look, this whole mess is a massive misunderstanding. I'm sorry if you get dragged in, but

so how'd you even manage to get out?" he asked. "I'm assuming you had

Adrian's mother and grandfather when it all went down," she replied flatly. "The police

but curious. "And yet, they still managed to arrest

heavily,