New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 456 Client’s Event

Another week had passed, and Matthew was still in a coma. Claire visited him daily, and her routine now consisted of a blend of hospital visits and mountains of work. She'd ask the doctor about Matthew's condition every single time, hoping for some kind of miracle answer.

But the doctor would always give her the same calm but frustrating response: "Matthew is stable. However, when he will wake up... we really don't know."

The uncertainty gnawed at Claire, but she pushed through. Someone had to keep things running, and for the first time, she was doing it all on her own-no Matthew to lean on, no quick advice, no snarky remarks to make her laugh through the stress. It was just her against endless paperwork and the never-ending demands of Cryptonic. Sleep became a distant memory, replaced by coffee-fueled nights and power naps that lasted five minutes, if that.

One particularly grueling afternoon, Claire was sitting at her desk, surrounded by a fortress of documents. She was mid-sip of her fifth cup of coffee for the day when Sandra knocked on the office door and poked her head in.

"Claire?" Sandra said cautiously, knowing her boss was probably running on fumes.

"What now?" Claire groaned, not even looking up from the spreadsheet she was glaring at like it had personally offended her.

Sandra stepped inside, holding a tablet. "You've got to attend the opening night for one of our client's new stores. It's a big deal."

Claire dropped her pen, slumping back in her chair with a dramatic sigh. "You're kidding me. Can't I just send flowers or, I don't know, a life-sized cardboard cutout of myself?"

Sandra smiled faintly. "It's your client, Claire. You kind of don't have a choice."

Rubbing her temples, Claire gave in. "Fine. Book me a hair and makeup stylist, and find someone to pick

an outfit because, trust me, I cannot even think about clothes right now."

As if the universe decided to intervene, a voice from behind Sandra chimed in, full of energy and unmistakably familiar. "Well, well, well! Look who's drowning in work!"

Claire looked up to see Talia, grinning like she'd just won the lottery. She was practically bouncing with excitement.

"Talia?!" Claire exclaimed, momentarily forgetting her exhaustion.

she stepped into the room. Behind her, a small entourage followed-two stylists, a makeup artist, and someone pushing a

amused but relieved to let someone else take over,

staring at Talia in disbelief. "What are

a playful smirk. "I know you'd never make it back to your penthouse, so

in defeat.

two hugged warmly. It had been far too long since they'd seen each other, and Talia's presence felt like a much-needed shot of energy

clapped her hands. "Alright, people! You know the drill. Let's get to

team sprang into action, wheeling the rack of dresses into position and setting up their makeup stations

back into her chair, watching the scene with mild amusement. "This feels excessive." "Excessive?" Talia repeated, already rifling through the dresses. "Honey, this is necessary. Look at you- stress wrinkles,

for the reminder," Claire muttered sarcastically, though she

and eyed Claire

handed me a potato sack, I'd wear

chest. "How dare you insult my process! You'll thank me later when you're

with a laugh. "Do

next two hours, the team worked their magic. Makeup brushes flew, hair tools buzzed, and Talia fussed

Do you like this neckline?"

replied dryly, sipping her now-cold

eyes.

Talia had finally chosen-a deep emerald green number that hugged her

office, Talia

nodded. "You're the

got a client to

"Thanks, Talia. I

ten, but who's counting?"

of confidence creeping back in. The night ahead still felt daunting, but at least she'd face it looking like she had everything under control-even

of cameras and the throng of photographers lining the entrance. She let out a small groan, fixing her hair

go," she muttered under her breath before stepping out with