New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 435 Confronting Cindy

convinced it was you."

Adrian ran a hand through his hair, visibly frustrated as he tried to piece it together. "I was at a banquet that night. Everything was normal until I saw this woman. She looked... exactly like you-same hair, same dress style, even the way she talked. For a second, I was Claire raised an eyebrow. "So, you just walked up and kissed her?"

"I know it sounds insane," Adrian said, holding up his hands defensively. "At first, I was suspicious. But I don't know-something just felt... off. It's like my brain wasn't working right. One second, I was questioning it, and the next, I was kissing her. I can't explain it." Claire leaned back, her eyes narrowing in thought. "And why would you see me in a random woman? That doesn't make any sense."

"I have no idea," Adrian admitted, his frustration evident. "It's like my vision was playing tricks on me."

Claire's gears were turning now. "Did you have anything to drink that night?"

Adrian nodded. "Yeah, but nothing unusual. Just a couple of cocktails, maybe some wine. Why?"

Claire's expression darkened as a possible explanation formed in her mind. "What if one of those drinks was spiked? It would explain why your judgment was so messed up."

Adrian frowned. "Spiked? Who would do that? Everyone at the banquet seemed normal to me."

Claire's lips pursed as a name surfaced in her mind-Cindy Marshall. Her suspicions sharpened like a knife. "Did you meet anyone there named Cindy? Cindy Marshall?"

Adrian's brow furrowed in thought. "Cindy... Cindy... I think I met someone named Cindy, but I don't remember her last name. Why?"

"That's all I needed to know," Claire muttered, her tone colder now. She didn't elaborate, but her mind was already connecting the dots. Cindy had been used before, and this had her manipulative fingerprints all over it.

Adrian looked at her curiously. "Claire, what are you thinking?"

this," Claire said, standing abruptly. "And believe me, they're going to regret

her hand gently. "Before you go into battle

him, her expression softening slightly. "Fine. But only a

back down onto the couch, holding her gaze. "I know this whole thing is a mess, and I hate that it's put you through so much. But I want you to know-I would never do anything to hurt you. Whatever happened that night, it wasn't me." Claire sighed, her resolve softening a little. "I believe you, Adrian. And I know you wouldn't hurt

gave her a small, grateful smile.

hardening her features once more. "Oh, we

dialed Matthew. It barely rang once before his familiar, slightly raspy

think I've figured out what happened with

keys clicking in the background

a conspiratorial tone. "Cindy. I think she's the one who spiked Adrian's drink. It makes too much sense-the timing, the circumstances. She's the only one who benefits from this mess." Matthew let out a low whistle, his disbelief tinged with amusement. "Man, that woman is a whole circus,

faint grin. "Track her down, and let me know where

tone turned playful. "Roger that. Give

turned to Adrian. His arms were crossed, and the look

with you," Adrian said, standing tall and

she looked up at him. "Adrian, trust me. You don't want to be there. This is going to be a catfight, not a cat-and-dog fight." Adrian opened his mouth to protest, but Claire cut him off, her tone firm but affectionate. "I'll handle it. You're better off staying here and not getting dragged

eyes, his stance unyielding for a moment before he sighed in defeat. "Fine. But only if you promise

kiss him lightly on the cheek. "Deal. I'll tell you

watched her with a mix of concern and admiration as she grabbed her coat

am," she replied with a confident wink before

mind already racing through the confrontation ahead. Her phone buzzed, and she quickly glanced at the message

to

Claire

smoother driver. The car