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 Alexander briefly. "So far, so good," she replied

brow, his

for the new hotel?" another asked, clearly

"Three," Claire answered confidently.

one man

him, her smile still firmly in place though her jaw tightened slightly. "I'm confident the robots will

to the undercurrent between them, laughing along at the exchange. But Claire

said, her voice light but with a deliberate edge. "And patience. After all, great things take time to

narrowed just slightly, but her smile never wavered. "Fortunately, Metacortex has an

two make quite the team. It's like

swirling his wine.

turned her attention back to Mr. Saint Laurent, who

said, directing her words more to the

is rare," Alexander countered smoothly, raising his glass in a mock toast. "But when it's real, it's

her champagne, meeting his gaze over the rim of her glass.

with light laughter again, the tension

Mr. Saint Laurent said, clapping his hands together lightly, "it sounds like we have quite a

Claire said, her voice unwavering as she set her glasses

his eyes glinting with

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

Alexander approached her, lowering his voice so only she could hear.

tight.

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

arrogance," she shot back before turning on

true, and that Claire have to believe his words. Alexander watched her go, his smirk