New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 444 Peterson and Harris Chemistry

Making her way upstairs, Claire marveled at the sheer elegance of the mansion. The second floor's lounge area was quieter, its ambiance more intimate with dim lighting and plush furniture. As she rounded the corner, she spotted Mr. Saint Laurent, Adrian's grandfather, standing at the center of a group of influential-looking businesspeople. Among them was someone Claire had hoped to avoid tonight-Alexander Harris. She inwardly groaned but kept her expression composed. No sense letting him know he annoyed her. As she approached, Mr. Saint Laurent spotted her and beamed.

"Claire!" he called out warmly, extending his hand. "What a pleasure to see you."

"Mr. Saint Laurent," Claire greeted, shaking his hand with a respectful smile. "I couldn't miss Adrian's birthday. And of course, it's always a pleasure to see you."

The older man's sharp eyes softened as he smiled. "Claire! You're a sight for sore eyes. Come, join us."

The group of businesspeople turned their attention to her, their expressions friendly and curious. All except Alexander, who barely glanced her way as he sipped his wine. Claire ignored him and focused on Mr. Saint Laurent and the others.

"Looks like you're having quite the discussion," Claire said lightly, seating herself gracefully on the edge of a leather armchair.

Mr. Saint Laurent nodded. "Alexander here was just intriguing us with his plans for the new hotel in Las Vegas. Sounds like quite the venture."

One of the women in the group chimed in, "It sounds incredible! Will there be a grand opening? I'd love to attend."

Alexander smiled smoothly. "Of course. Invitations will be sent out soon."

"I can't wait to see it live. I heard that it will be different than most of your hotels. Is that right Mr. Harris?"

Alexander nodded with a cool smile on his lips. "Yes, it is. You can say this project of mine will be one of my wildest dreams. After all, asking my father permission isn't easy. You know the old man."

The other laughed and Alex grinned.

The group laughed appreciatively, and another guest turned to Claire. "Speaking of business, how's the collaboration between Harris Hotels and Metacortex coming along?"

didn't falter, but the question made her glance at

a brow, his expression one

the new hotel?" another asked, clearly interested

"Three," Claire answered confidently.

one man

and customer response meet expectations, we'll consider adding more." Claire's gaze flicked to him, her smile still firmly

between them, laughing along at the exchange. But

to perfect." Alexander raised his glass slightly, his smirk

"Fortunately, Metacortex has an exceptional team. One that's known

the two. "You two

leaned back in his chair, swirling his wine. "A team, indeed.

to roll her eyes. Instead, she turned her attention back to Mr. Saint Laurent, who seemed

with innovative minds," Claire said, directing her

raising his glass in a mock toast. "But when it's real, it's

his gaze over the rim of her glass.

the tension

Saint Laurent said, clapping his hands together lightly, "it sounds like we have quite a show to look

said, her voice unwavering

his eyes glinting with

to other topics, allowing Claire a moment to breathe. She couldn't help but feel a small sense of victory; while Alexander had his

the group dispersed slightly, Alexander approached her, lowering his voice so only she could hear. "You're feisty

tight. "Don't mistake

smoothly, tilting his head. "But do be careful, Claire. Ambition

shot back before turning on

her that the news about Adrian is true, and that Claire have to believe his words. Alexander watched her go, his smirk fading as a contemplative expression crossed his face. Claire Peterson