New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 467 Being Vulnerable

Claire's heels clicked against the marble floor as she navigated through the sea of chatter and clinking glasses. She was determined to keep her cool after her verbal sparring match with Frank Potter, but the tension still buzzed under her skin like an electric current. The champagne flute in her hand felt heavy, though she hadn't taken a single sip. She glanced at the golden liquid and sighed.

Why did I even come?

The thought was barely complete when she turned a corner and froze. There he was-Alexander.

He stood near the buffet table, effortlessly elegant in his tailored charcoal suit, a glass of champagne balanced in his hand. His dark hair was perfectly styled, his piercing gaze surveying the room until it landed on her. The air shifted.

Why is it always him?

It seems impossible to imagine for Claire to not see Alexander in a big event. It's like the universe wanted them to be together. But it's not like Claire can do anything about it.

Claire frowned, her jaw tightening. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. It was like fate had a cruel sense of humor. Their eyes met, and Alexander's lips curled into a polite, almost cautious smile. He gave a subtle nod, lifting his glass.

"Claire." His voice was smooth, but there was a hint of something deeper-something she couldn't quite place.

"Alexander," she replied, her tone clipped but civil. She didn't want to make a scene. Not here.

"You look..." He paused, eyes scanning her carefully. "Beautiful, as always."

Claire rolled her eyes. "Spare me the pleasantries. I'm not in the mood."

He let out a short sigh, his gaze softening. "I heard about Matthew."

Her body stiffened, the words slicing through her like a blade. Of course he knows. Her fingers tightened around the stem of her glass, but her face remained unreadable. "News travels fast, apparently." Alexander took a step closer, his expression gentle but earnest. "How is he?"

She swallowed hard, the knot in her throat tightening. "He's in a coma." Her voice was barely above a whisper.

His eyes widened, the surprise and concern clear on his face. He opened his mouth to say something, but for once, Alexander Saint Laurent seemed to be at a loss for words.

"I didn't know it was that serious," he finally said, his voice low. "I'm sorry, Claire."

off guard, and

gaze fixed somewhere over his shoulder. "Yeah, well...

composure slipping, the weight of everything suddenly too much to bear. The noise

his response. She turned abruptly and headed for

in a coma and she is alone,

air hit her face, but it did little to calm her racing mind. Her breaths came in shallow gasps, and she leaned against the stone wall of the building, squeezing her eyes

Pull it together, Claire.

steady herself, but the storm inside her refused to settle. It felt like everything was spiraling out of control, and no matter how hard she tried to hold on, the ground kept shifting beneath her

in a coma. Eligos breathing down her neck. Frank's taunts. Alexander showing up everywhere. It was too

and inviting. Without a second thought, she crossed the road, her heels clicking against the pavement as she focused on putting distance between herself and that

distant honk barely registered in her

one, loud

in panic as she turned to her left.

2 minu

Time seemed to slow, and a single thought flashed through

grabbed her arm, yanking her back with a force that knocked the breath out of her She stumbled, colliding with a solid chest Her heart pounded wildly

was livid. His jaw clenched, his dark eyes

snapped,

out of his grip, her own anger flaring. "I was thinking I wanted to leave, and it's none of your damn

his frustration evident.

ask you to save me!" she shot back, her

of anger and something deeper. "No, you didn't. But

at him, her breathing ragged. "Why

you like it or

his voice

self-destruct? You're running

into the ground,

ovel