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."

him slightly. "Well, you seem to be handling it like a

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

for a moment, the bustling room seemed to fade into the background. "I'm glad I came," she said. "You deserve

gave her a warm smile. "And I'm glad you're here. It

a tray of drinks, and Adrian was pulled away again by another guest eager to chat. Claire 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

I was hoping

"Rain check? You'll have plenty of

hand brushing against hers. "Thank you

said

kissed her cheek, lingering for a moment. "Get home

car waiting for her. The evening air was crisp, and she took a deep breath as she stepped into the sleek black Rolls Royce. Once inside, she leaned back against the seat,

The car remained still.

up.

she glanced at the rearview mirror. That was when she saw him a man in

eyes with her through the mirror. Before she could react, he reached back with a spray

but the fumes were overwhelming. "What are

engaged. Panic surged through her as she clawed at the window, but her strength was fading rapidly. "Who sent you? And why are you in my car?" Claire coughed as she tried to fight the unconsciousness that was slowly getting in

thing she saw before darkness overtook her was the masked man's cold, emotionless

find out

his lair, Eligos watched the scene unfold 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,

sounds of the party fading as he sipped from his glass of champagne. For the first

had

to relax. The evening been a whirlwind of handshakes, compliments, and

'n

But even with