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."

same Cindy

brow, intrigued. "She did

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

Cindy Marshall cares about is her career. Business talk? That was just an excuse to get

disbelief, muttering something in French

looked at Claire with a touch of curiosity. "Why would she do this, though? What

she's jealous of my life," she admitted. "But honestly?

head,

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

piecing things together. "You think

Claire said, her voice thoughtful. "But her dad wouldn't have done it. He was furious with her after what happened with Alexander.

speed. "Are you saying this is the same Cindy who humiliated you at that business forum

only," Claire confirmed

his seat, looking genuinely astonished. "Unbelievable. I didn't connect

the 'p.' "And now she's back, doing photoshoots and acting

his head. "That's...

is her default

to a gentle stop in front of an upscale restaurant. Adrian stepped out first, offering his hand to help Claire. "Let's try not to let Cindy Marshall ruin our evening," he said,

on the

Alexander was

private jet, weary but invigorated

as he handed off his luggage to an assistant,

murmured to himself, scrolling through his messages. His assistant had mentioned that Claire had returned to London not long after Adrian's headline hit the

his jaw.

Adrian,

tinged with disappointment. He wouldn't to

admit it

had something to do with the work he'd left her in

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 to see Claire again-ways that didn't involve Adrian Saint Laurent. Back at the restaurant, Claire and Adrian

is beautiful," Claire said,

for you," Adrian replied with a