New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 414 Taking Him Out

Eligos stared at the news broadcast in disbelief, watching Claire Peterson stride out of the police station like she owned the place. His plans hadn't just gone sideways-they'd crashed and burned. She'd been out of lockup in under five hours, smirking, no less, with her entourage in tow.

Eligos gripped his wine glass, his knuckles turning white. With a snarl, he flung it across the room, where it shattered against the wall, wine dripping down in dark, bloody streaks.

"Unbelievable. This wasn't supposed to happen," he muttered, his gaze fixed on the television. He hit replay, watching the scene again, seething as Claire stepped confidently out, flanked by an older man and a woman.

The man, he quickly realized, was none other than Mr. Saint Laurent, the kingpin of the global business world. His fury surged as he considered her connections. So, Claire had friends in high places. He'd always known she was well-connected, but seeing Saint Laurent by her side was a slap in the face.

"Of course, she knew him. Dammit!"

Slumping back into his chair, Eligos drummed his fingers against his desk.

This wouldn't do.

She wasn't just slippery; she was untouchable, shielded by a fortress of powerful allies.

"She knows all the right people."

Well, two could play that game. He would figure out everyone in her inner circle and unravel the web she'd so carefully spun. His mind worked overtime as he began digging.

is Robert Robertson. The old man was influential, though rumor had it that Claire didn't have a particularly high opinion of him. He smirked at that. Perhaps the weakness in her armor? Next, Jack Wilson, Claire's

easily control, but possibly just as invested in her success.

deeper, but there wasn't much to be found. If there was a rift, it wasn't a public

multiple attempts on Claire's life. Eligos chuckled, amused at the notion. Maybe Lisa could be

there's Adrian Saint Laurent," he said, voice

or so the rumors went. The man he'd nearly taken out in his car explosion. So, Adrian was more than just a business ally; he was in a relationship with Claire. That connection extended to his influential family, including the old man who'd just walked her out of jail. "She's closer to that family than I thought." That meant she'd have deep resources

blowing up her lover's car hadn't rattled her. But Adrian came with a family attached, namely the Saint Laurents, and that made him more dangerous than useful

on. Frustrating. And lastly, Matthew Finnegan. Eligos couldn't find anything substantial about him either, except that he was Claire's "trusted advisor and friend." This one intrigued him the most-someone so close,

more focused but still simmering with frustration. Claire's network was stronger than he'd given her credit for. Taking her down would require time, patience, and a few willing players-like Lisa, who seemed just unhinged

chin. Matthew could be a problem. He was involved in all her crises, always hovering nearby, probably advising her on how to

room, phone pressed to her ear, talking to Matthew about her next move.

Claire filled him in, clearly amused. "Since when do you follow orders, Claire?" he

rolling her eyes even though

right now? With all the

I'm bound by contract, and Alexander is my business partner. Plus,

muttered under his breath. "Harris just loves

get rid of," she joked, and they both

keep an eye on both Metacortex and Cryptonic. I'll help however I can from afar, but I trust you to handle things on the ground." Matthew hesitated. "Both companies at once? Claire, that's

voice softened. "Matthew, if anyone can do it, it's you. That's why you're my advisor, remember? I believe in