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.

possible ally of Claire's. First on the list: 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 godfather. Rarely seen in public, but a close friend of her father. He'd be difficult to manipulate, Eligos noted. Then came Alexander Harris, CEO of Harris Corporation and

their divorce, which only added another layer of intrigue. Not someone Claire could easily control, but possibly just as invested in her success. Still, he hadn't been

but there wasn't much to be found.

made him pause. Lisa Thompson. The details were sketchy, but from what he gathered, Lisa had made multiple attempts on Claire's life. Eligos chuckled, amused at the notion. Maybe Lisa could be a useful

Adrian Saint Laurent," he said, voice dripping with

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

But Adrian came with a family attached, namely the Saint Laurents, and that made him more dangerous

find anything substantial about

staring at the list, feeling 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

tapping his chin. Matthew could be a problem. He was involved in all her crises, always hovering nearby, probably advising her on how to wriggle out of trouble. Noted. Matthew was next on his list of people to deal with. Maybe it's time Matthew met a little

Claire reclined in her room, phone pressed to her ear, talking to Matthew about her next move. Her business partner Alexander Harris had informed

an eyebrow as Claire filled him in, clearly amused. "Since when do you

funny, Matthew," she replied, rolling her eyes even

leave right now? With all the chaos

of a choice, Matthew. I'm bound by contract, and Alexander is my business partner. Plus, he's been

breath.

but laugh. "He's like a stubborn flea you can't get rid of," she joked, and

"Listen, Matthew, while I'm gone, I need you to 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 a lot. I mean,

"Matthew, if anyone can do it, it's you. That's why you're my advisor,