New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 430 Who is that Woman?

Late that evening, Claire paced her room, phone pressed to her ear. She'd been trying to call Matthew for the past fifteen minutes, and when he finally picked up, his cheery tone caught her off guard. "Hey, Claire! What's up?" Matthew greeted, his voice bright and completely oblivious.

Claire didn't share his enthusiasm. Her tone was clipped, serious. "Matthew, have you seen the news?"

Matthew's brows furrowed. "Uh, no? I've been busy keeping Metacortex and Cryptonic systems airtight. You know, since certain people like to mess with our tech. Why? What's going on?"

Claire sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Check the latest headlines. Right now."

"Alright, alright. Hold on," Matthew replied, the sound of his keyboard clicking faintly over the line. The pause that followed was deafening, and when Matthew spoke again, his voice was lower, more serious. "What the-? Claire, this isn't possible. Adrian would never-"

"I know!" Claire cut in, exasperation lacing her words. "That's exactly what I thought. But then again... I don't know what to think right now, Matthew. The picture is everywhere."

Matthew's voice softened. "Claire, listen to me. Adrian is not that guy. If he were, don't you think I would've noticed something before you two even started dating? This has to be a setup."

Claire plopped down on her bed, running a hand through her hair. "You're probably right, but seeing that picture... I don't know. It's hard not to doubt, just a little. What if-?"

"Nope," Matthew interrupted firmly. "We're not doing this. You're not spiraling. Adrian doesn't deserve it, and you don't deserve to stress yourself out over some fake scandal. This isn't him."

Claire let out a long, shaky breath. "Alright. Fine. But we need answers, Matthew. Can you find out where Adrian was last night? And who that woman in the picture is?"

it," Matthew replied without hesitation. "I'll

voice quieter now. "I don't know

Matthew joked lightly, trying to lift her spirits.

trusted Adrian. She did. But the image of him kissing another woman

study, a single photo displayed on the tablet in his hand. It was the same photo

frustration evident in his tone. He was sure absolutely sure that the woman he'd been with last night was Claire. He remembered her

you?"

knock on his door broke his concentration. Adrian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Come in," he

stepped inside, her expression a mixture of concern

groaned, rubbing the back of his neck.

crossed her arms, giving him a pointed look. "You're telling me you didn't kiss that woman? Because the evidence

did, alright? But last night, I swear, I saw Claire. I was with Claire or at least I thought I was." His mother

a misunderstanding? Maybe it's a trick of the light or " "No," Adrian cut her off. "Look at the

"Exactly what I'm trying

she opened the door,

shrugged. "I just wanted to see how you're doing. You know, after everything

across her chest, her expression cool. "If you think Adrian and I

"I'm just saying, Claire. Maybe you should reconsider. That photo? It's real. And let's be honest, Adrian's always been a bit of a-" "Stop right

less infuriating. "Come on, Claire. You're smart. You know I'm just looking out for you. Adrian is

interrupted coldly. "And unless you have something useful