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.

of impressive buildings, shaking hands with important people, and looking every bit the untouchable tech mogul. His stomach twisted.

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

the pavement. The building was enormous, its sleek glass exterior gleaming in the midday sun. The company's logo was etched boldly above the entrance, and

himself, a small, incredulous smile tugging at his lips. For a brief

long. He squared his shoulders, muttered a quiet "let's get this over with," and headed

a receptionist desk that looked more 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

Andrea began, his voice wavering slightly. "I need to

Ms. Peterson is currently out of the country. She's in Las Vegas

scratching the back of his neck. "Is

afraid her personal contact information is confidential. However, if it's urgent, you can speak with her secretary. Would you like me to

"No,

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

tried to think. His mother didn't have time for him to figure this out

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

he remembered how private she seemed to be. There was no way

smell of

line at a bustling sandwich cart near the Metacortex building. It was supposed to be a quick break-a chance to grab lunch and refuel before reporting back. But as be reached for his wallet, his eyes landed on a familiar figure standing just

Andrea.

to be sure. Yep, there was no mistaking it-Andrea, wearing that same leather jacket he always did, looked utterly lost. The man swore under his breath, his appetite vanishing instantly. He knew what this meant,