New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 438 Who’s Behind It?

Adrian arrived at Claire's place just as the autumn sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with strokes of pink and orange. He stepped out of the sleek black car, his smile warm as he opened the door for her. Claire was already waiting outside, her outfit effortlessly

chic, as always.

"Wow," Adrian said, offering her his arm. "You look stunning."

Claire gave a small laugh, linking her arm through his. "You clean up nicely yourself. I was half-worried you'd show up in a hoodie."

"Hey!" Adrian grinned. "I'd make a hoodie look sophisticated."

"Well," Claire smirked, "you clean up alright."

"Did you manage to avoid the chaos today?" Adrian asked, leaning back against the soft leather seats.

"Define 'chaos," Claire replied with a wry smile. "If you mean dodging paparazzi and people following me around, then yes, barely."

The driver nodded politely as they climbed into the car. As they pulled away, the low hum of the city outside filled the silence between them. Their banter carried on for a bit as the car weaved through the London streets.

"You've been awfully quiet," Adrian said, a teasing lilt in his voice.

Claire smirked and turned to him. "Just enjoying the peace before you start grilling me with questions."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Grill you? I wouldn't dare. I'll just politely interrogate you instead."

"And here I thought this was supposed to be a nice dinner," Claire quipped, crossing her arms in mock defiance.

Adrian leaned back, studying Claire for a moment. "Speaking of which, who was behind it? You said you'd tell me tonight."

"Cindy Marshall." she finally said, her voice steady.

Adrian blinked, sitting up straighter. "Was she really the one who drugged me?"

Claire nodded. "Yup. She spiked your drink and set up the whole thing."

his brows furrowing. "Cindy Marshall? The same Cindy who came to me pretending she wanted to

a brow, intrigued. "She

arms. "Oh, yes. She was all professional, all polite-asking about

couldn't help but snort. "Adrian, the only thing Cindy Marshall cares about is her career.

disbelief, muttering something in

curiosity. "Why would she do this, though? What does she gain from

my life," she admitted. "But honestly? I think there's more to it than that. Something

head, intrigued.

began, tapping her chin, "for starters, Cindy's sudden comeback. One minute her career's in shambles, and the next she's back in the spotlight

together.

furious with her after what happened with Alexander. She embarrassed me, and Alexander took her down for it. I didn't even ask him to, you

slightly. "Wait a second," he said, his voice picking up speed. "Are you saying this is the same Cindy who humiliated you at that business forum in the States? The

and only," Claire

leaned back in his seat, looking genuinely astonished. "Unbelievable. I didn't

said, popping the 'p.' "And now she's back, doing

his

is her

first, offering his hand to help Claire. "Let's try not to let Cindy Marshall ruin our evening," he said, smiling warmly. "Agreed," Claire said, taking his

on the

Alexander was

private jet, weary but invigorated Las Vegas had

late nights. Yet, even as he handed

assistant had mentioned that Claire had returned to London not long after Adrian's

his

of Adrian, not

his voice tinged with disappointment. He wouldn't to anyone, but

admit it

something to do with the work

Was it selfish of him to wish for their breakup? Probably. Did that stop him from wishing? Not one bit. Alexander sighed heavily as he climbed into his waiting car. He was tired, sure, but a small part of him was already plotting ways

is beautiful," Claire said, glancing

the best for you," Adrian replied with