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."

brows furrowing. "Cindy Marshall? The same Cindy who came to

a brow,

yes. She was all professional, all polite-asking about

Cindy Marshall cares about is

something in French under

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

in thought. "She said she's jealous of my life," she admitted. "But honestly? I think there's more to it than that.

head, intrigued.

her career's in shambles, and

frowned, piecing things together. "You think someone

furious with her after what happened with Alexander.

eyes 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

only," Claire confirmed

genuinely astonished.

doing photoshoots and acting like she's on top of

shook his head.

is her default

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

on the

Alexander was stepping

but invigorated Las Vegas had

and late nights. Yet, even as he handed off his luggage

back already?" he murmured to himself, scrolling through his messages. His assistant had mentioned that Claire had returned to

clenched his jaw.

of Adrian, not because

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

admit it

to do with

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

Claire said,

the best for you," Adrian replied