New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 445 The Kidnapping

The atmosphere remained lively and sophisticated. Guests laughed over glasses of champagne, discussing business deals, art, and everything in between. Adrian moved effortlessly through the crowd, his natural charisma keeping everyone captivated. Claire was engaged in a conversation about Metacortex's latest innovations when Matthew approached, his expression bored.

"I'm heading out," he said, interrupting her mid-sentence.

Claire raised an eyebrow. "You're leaving already? The party isn't even over."

Matthew shrugged dramatically. "What can I say? Champagne fountains and overpriced canapés aren't really my thing."

Claire rolled her eyes, suppressing a smile. "You could at least pretend to enjoy yourself. You're at the Saint Laurent estate, Matthew. This is networking gold."

Matthew smirked. "Networking? Please. Half the people here don't even know who I am. Besides, I'm doing you a favor by leaving. Now you can shine without my dazzling presence overshadowing you."

Claire laughed despite herself. "You're impossible. I don't need to shine, Matt. Fine, go. But make sure the driver comes back to pick me up."

He nodded, grinning. "You got it, boss. Try not to let Adrian monopolize you for the rest of the night."

As Matthew walked off, Claire shook her head, returning her attention to her conversation.

A little while later, Adrian approached her, slipping his arm around her waist as she spoke with a group of investors.

"You're hard to keep track of tonight," he said teasingly, his tone low enough for only her to hear.

Claire glanced up at him, smiling. "I could say the same about you, Mr. Social Butterfly. You've been everywhere."

Adrian chuckled. "Occupational hazard. I don't have much of a choice when half the city's power players are here."

leaned into him slightly. "Well, you seem

but I'd rather be spending time with you," he said

seemed to fade into the background. "I'm glad I came," she said. "You deserve

warm smile. "And I'm glad you're here. It wouldn't

glanced at the time and realized how late it had gotten. When Adrian returned a few minutes later, Claire touched his arm. "I think I'm going to head home. It's been a wonderful night, but I'm

"Already? I was hoping to steal you away

"Rain check? You'll have plenty of time to

hers. "Thank you for coming. It really means

said with a warm

in and kissed her cheek, lingering for a

and she took a deep breath as she stepped into the

The car remained still.

up. "Did you

was when she saw him a man in a black mask sitting in the passenger

to race as the masked man turned and locked eyes with her through the

fumes were overwhelming. "What are you" she gasped, her voice trailing off as her vision

through her as she clawed at the window, but her strength was fading rapidly. "Who

darkness overtook her was the masked man's

find out soon

on one of his screens. He leaned forward, his lips curling into a wicked grin as Claire slumped against the seat, unconscious. "Perfect," he murmured,

the balcony of his mansion, the sounds of the party fading as he sipped from his

had

a whirlwind of handshakes, compliments, and

'n

But even with