New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 423 Andrea in Metacortex

Andrea paced his small apartment, phone clutched tightly in his hand, the weight of the recent call from Italy pressing down on him. His mother's nurse had sounded urgent, her words echoing in his mind: "The operation needs to happen soon, Mr. Ricci. Without it..." Andrea hadn't even let her finish. He'd cut her off, promising, "I'll get the money in a few hours," even though he had no idea how.

Now, his nerves were frayed. Eligos had promised him instructions-had promised action. Yet here he was, still waiting. He glared at his phone, scrolling through his contacts to find the one number he didn't want to call but had no choice.

"Eligos," he muttered under his breath, hitting the dial button. The phone rang once, twice, and then went to voicemail.

Andrea cursed. "Of course, now you don't pick up," he hissed, redialing.

Andrea's chest felt tight as he tossed his phone onto the coffee table. His usual lifeline, Eligos, hadn't given him any instructions lately. Three calls to the man had gone unanswered, and Andrea wasn't brave enough to leave a voicemail. Eligos wasn't exactly the type to appreciate desperation, and Andrea couldn't afford to cross him-not when he was already hanging by a thread.

"Think, Andrea. Think," he muttered to himself, pacing back and forth in his small London apartment. His mind churned, cycling through options that didn't exist. He didn't know anyone in the city well enough to ask for money, and his own savings wouldn't cover the cost. Time was ticking, and every second felt heavier than the last.

Then, like a lightning bolt, a thought struck him: Claire Peterson. His half-sibling.

The idea made him stop in his tracks. Could he even do that? Could he really go to Claire, someone he'd never spoken to, and ask for money? A bitter laugh escaped his lips. It wasn't just awkward-it was borderline insane. But as much as he hated the idea, he didn't have a better one. His mother's life was on the line, and that trumped his pride, his fear of Eligos, and every other excuse he could come up with.

"Alright," he said, taking a deep breath. "Let's do this."

Andrea grabbed his phone and started searching for Claire Peterson online. Surely, someone as prominent as her had to have some public information out there. And sure enough, articles and news stories popped up about her, detailing her role as the owner of Metacortex.

scrolled through image after image of her standing in front of impressive buildings, shaking hands with important people, and looking every bit

company's headquarters. Metacortex's London office. Andrea sighed in relief, grabbed his jacket, and headed out the door before he could

company's logo was etched boldly above the entrance, and people in sharp suits bustled in and out. Andrea couldn't help but feel like a fish out of

all this?" he whispered to himself, a small, incredulous smile tugging at his

squared his shoulders, muttered a quiet "let's

like something out of a sci-fi movie greeted him. Andrea swallowed hard as he approached the desk, where a neatly dressed woman with a polished smile looked up at

voice wavering slightly.

of the country. She's in Las Vegas for

she wasn't here. Why would his luck improve now? "Oh," he said, scratching the back

confidential. However, if it's urgent, you can speak with her secretary. Would you like

shook his head quickly. "No, no, that's

of the building, his head spinning. The receptionist had been polite, but the interaction had left him feeling even more helpless. How was he supposed to get the money now? Claire wasn't here, and there was no way he'd be able

mother didn't have time for him to figure this out slowly. He needed a solution, and he needed it now.

back and asking for more time, but he already knew what she'd say. The hospital wouldn't operate without payment. His mother was counting

and started typing her name again, he remembered how private she seemed to be. There was no way someone like her had open DMs. Andrea sighed and shoved his phone back into his

smell of

to grab lunch and refuel before reporting back. But as be reached for his wallet, his eyes landed on a familiar figure standing just across

Andrea.

leather jacket he always did, looked utterly lost. The man swore under his breath, his appetite vanishing instantly. He knew what this meant, and more importantly,