New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 442 Preparing a Present

Claire sat at her desk in the office, her chin resting on her hand as she stared blankly at her computer screen. She wasn't really working-her mind was preoccupied with an entirely different dilemma: Adrian Saint Laurent's upcoming birthday. Adrian practically had everything, so the idea of buying him a material gift felt daunting. What could she possibly get him that would feel meaningful rather than generic? Just as she sighed and leaned back in her chair, the door to her office flew open without a knock. She didn't even have to look to know who it was.

"Matthew," she said dryly, rolling her eyes as he sauntered in like he owned the place. "Ever heard of knocking?"

"Knocking is for people who aren't best friends with the boss," Matthew quipped, dropping into the chair across from her desk. He smirked, clearly amused by her less-than-enthused expression. "What's with the face? Deep in thought about work, or is this about Adrian Saint Laurent's big birthday bash?"

Claire arched an eyebrow at him. "What are you doing here? I thought you decided to actually take it easy for once and stay home."

Matthew waved her off. "Please. You know I'd rather be here pestering you than sitting at home binge-watching TV. Besides, I missed you. Don't pretend you don't love my company."

Claire snorted. "Love is a strong word. Tolerate is more accurate."

Matthew grinned, leaning forward. "So, come on. Spill. What's got you all pensive and serious? Birthday gift anxiety?"

Claire groaned, running a hand through her hair. "Yes, okay? Adrian's birthday is in five days, and I have no idea what to get him. The man has everything, Matthew. If I buy him some luxury item, it's just going to feel... empty. I want it to mean something." Matthew rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then leaned back in his chair with a mischievous glint in his eye. "I've got it," he said dramatically. "Get him a giant life-size portrait of yourself. Gold frame, Renaissance-style. Something he can hang in his study so he's reminded every day how lucky he is to have you."

Claire stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter. "A life-size portrait? Really? That's the best you've got?"

Matthew shrugged, feigning seriousness. "Hey, it's unique. And unforgettable. Plus, it'll be a great conversation starter for when his friends come over. 'Oh, Adrian, what's this?' 'Why, it's my lovely girlfriend immortalized in oil paint."

laughing. "Yeah, I think

about what makes your relationship with Adrian special. What's something that's uniquely yours? A memory, an inside joke,

with a flashy gift. You just need to remind him why he fell for you in the first

actually... really good advice, Matthew. Who knew you were capable of

of surprises," Matthew said with a wink. "So, any

an idea began to form. "You know," she said slowly, "Adrian's told me before that he loves anything handcrafted. Something made with care and effort. Maybe I could make him something." Matthew

it with little notes, photos, mementos. All the mushy stuff that guys like Adrian secretly

a satisfied smile.

grateful look. "Thanks, Matthew. For the advice and the

grin. Then, after a moment, he added, "So... does this mean I get to help? Because I'm great at cutting and gluing. I was the king of arts and crafts in second grade." Claire smirked. "I'll think about it. But no

Matthew said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "But

renewed sense of purpose. She still had a lot to do, but at least now she had a plan-and a pretty good one, at that. Adrian's birthday

few days, Claire threw herself into the project. She decided to

Adrian. Each item had a

in her office, cutting decorative paper and teasing her relentlessly about her "scrapbooking

he said, holding up a piece of paper

Claire said, snatching it

"Perfection is key.

shot back, rolling her eyes. "Now

Matthew was genuinely helpful, and by the end of the day, the memory box was starting to take shape. It was simple but elegant, filled with heartfelt touches that