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.

probably

don't forget to tell him

eyes. "You are such a princess. I will, don't

Claire. Call me

nodded. "I

Matthew called after her, "And try not

threw a grin over her shoulder. "You keep my

her off with a mock sigh, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say. Just don't do anything

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

her a little wave as she

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 about Talia? And

her seatbelt. "You just can't help

course,

for

him and besides I

leaned back, crossing his arms. "You mean

scoffed back. "Three people do not count

do. What about you? Who do you hang out with? Christian? Yeah, I think just Christian," she

them to buckle up as the jet prepared for takeoff. Claire settled

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

the mental ward, a figure in a wide-brimmed hat and oversized sunglasses entered the mental facility, keeping her

reminded her