New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 416 Going to Vegas

Andrea sat in his new place that Eligos gave to him, popping a steak that he ordered for his dinner for the night. The big TV in the center of the room tuned in, showing some news about a woman named Claire Peterson getting arrested. Andrea's eyes narrowed.

"Wait a minute," he muttered, stabbing the meat, "Isn't she...? So, Ms. Perfect Claire actually got herself into trouble," he muttered, half in amusement, half in disbelief.

He leaned closer to the screen. There she was, his supposed half-sister-Claire Peterson-being escorted by police, dressed impeccably in some designer outfit, even while handcuffed. Andrea scoffed. She looked like she had money pouring out of her pockets. Fancy clothes, a shiny car, important people at her side. Meanwhile, he was scraping by in a cramped apartment, his mom's medical bills piling up. "She probably doesn't even know I exist," he muttered bitterly.

Years of work to pay off debts, and all this time, he had a rich half-sister somewhere in the world. Couldn't things have been different if he'd known sooner?

"Would've been nice to know sooner, Ma," he muttered to himself, shaking his head.

Maybe his mother would have gotten better treatment, and they wouldn't have struggled. But no-now he was dealing with some mysterious guy, Eligos, who he'd made a shaky deal with, all because of his situation.

But, as he thought about it, he realized meeting Claire wasn't so simple. She was always guarded, always in the spotlight. He didn't even know if he'd manage to get near her, even if he tried.

He sighed, watching the news shift to another segment. "One day," he muttered to himself, "we're gonna meet. Whether you like it or not, Claire."

Meanwhile, in London, Claire stepped out of a black car, her heels clicking against the pavement as she adjusted her purse strap. Matthew helped pull her luggage from the trunk, giving her a look that was equal parts concern and exasperation. "Thanks for the help," Claire said, flashing him a quick smile. "Take care of yourself. And the company, of course."

Matthew rolled his eyes in his usual playful way. "Oh, I'm not the one jetting off to Vegas. You're the one who should be careful. And if Alexander tries anything, let me know. I'll come and give him a good smack."

Claire laughed, lightly patting his arm. "Oh, don't worry. I'll take him down myself before you even make it out of your office."

"Did you tell Adrian you're going to Vegas?" Matthew asked, raising an eyebrow.

when I get there. Knowing him, he'd probably try to follow me, and he's supposed to be resting.

her a pat on the back. "Alright, just don't forget to tell him cause I don't want him calling me in the middle of the night disturbing my

such a princess. I will, don't

flight, Claire. Call me if you need anything,

nodded. "I

jet, Matthew called after her, "And try not to

threw a grin over her shoulder. "You keep my company from crumbling while I'm gone,

"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say. Just

him a teasing grin as she headed for the private jet. "If anything goes wrong,

sarcastically, giving her a little wave

onboard, Claire quickly took her seat, only to find Alexander already seated across the aisle, facing her. He grinned as she buckled her seatbelt, unable to resist teasing her. "So, did you say goodbye to Finnegan? How

can't help teasing me, aren't

course,

for

going to say goodbye to him and besides I have friends,

leaned back, crossing his arms. "You mean

please," Alexander scoffed back. "Three people do not count

do. What about you? Who do you hang out with? Christian? Yeah, I think just Christian," she shot back, smirking as they

interrupted by the flight attendant, who smiled and advised them to buckle up as the jet prepared for takeoff. Claire settled back, trying to ignore

about getting some sleep, but the thought of Alex watching her while she napped was infuriating. Instead, she focused on her laptop, opening a document to keep herself busy for

ward, a figure in a wide-brimmed hat and oversized sunglasses entered the mental facility, keeping her head low as she signed the

reminded her