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."

said, his brows furrowing. "Cindy Marshall? The same Cindy

raised a brow, intrigued.

scoffed, crossing his arms. "Oh, yes. She was all professional, all polite-asking about projects, possible collaborations. And the whole

thing Cindy Marshall cares about is her career. Business talk? That was

exhaled in disbelief, muttering something in French under his

touch of curiosity. "Why would she do this,

my life," she admitted.

head,

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

things together. "You think someone helped

He was furious with her after what happened with Alexander. She embarrassed me, and Alexander took her down for it. I didn't even

widened 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 one Alexander

and only," Claire confirmed

looking genuinely astonished. "Unbelievable. I didn't connect the dots.

said, popping the 'p.' "And now she's back, doing photoshoots and acting like she's on top

shook his head. "That's...

"Insane is her

hand to help Claire. "Let's try not to let Cindy Marshall ruin our

on the

Alexander was

jet, weary but invigorated

even as he handed off his luggage to

messages. His assistant had mentioned that Claire had returned

clenched his

of Adrian,

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

admit it

had something to do with the

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 to see Claire again-ways that didn't involve Adrian Saint Laurent. Back at the restaurant, Claire and Adrian were settling into their dinner. The warm glow of candlelight and the gentle

beautiful," Claire said, glancing around

for you," Adrian replied with a