New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 468 Another Weird Dream

The room was a swirling haze of shadows and whispers, the air thick with tension. Claire stood in the center, her once-powerful stance shrinking under the weight of unseen eyes. The laughter started as a low rumble, growing louder, sharper, like shards of glass piercing her confidence.

Her gaze darted around frantically, trying to locate the source of the laughter. Shapes blurred into a faceless crowd, their silhouettes looming taller, more menacing.

Why do I feel so small?

She wondered, panic clawing at her chest. She was Claire Peterson-she didn't crumble, she didn't break. But right now, she felt like a fragile porcelain doll, teetering on the edge of shattering.

A voice, mocking and cold, rose above the laughter. "Look at her. Not so fearless now, are you?"

More laughter, harsher this time. Claire's heart pounded against her ribs. Sweat beaded on her forehead. Her legs felt weak like they might give way beneath her. She clenched her fists, trying to summon the steel resolve she was known for, but her fingers trembled.

Then, from the crowd, a figure began to move. Slowly, deliberately. The sea of faceless shadows parted, and the figure stepped forward. Claire's breath caught in her throat. She knew who it was before she could even see his face.

Eligos.

His tall frame exuded an air of cold authority, his dark clothes blending seamlessly with the shadows. His face, as always, was obscured by a mask. Claire had never seen the man behind it, had never seen his eyes, and yet she felt his gaze bore into her soul.

He stopped in front of her, his presence suffocating.

"Expect the unexpected," he whispered, his voice dripping with malicious amusement.

The words sliced through her, chilling her to the bone. She wanted to move, to scream, to fight back, but her feet were rooted to the ground. She was trapped, helpless, vulnerable a feeling she despised. The laughter rose to a deafening roar.

Then she jolted awake.

Her eyes snapped open, the darkness of her bedroom a stark contrast to the chaos of her nightmare. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat like a drum echoing through her ribcage. She gasped for air, her breaths shallow and ragged. She wiped the cold sweat from her forehead, her fingers trembling. Eligos.

haunted her. Taunted her. She clenched her jaw, teeth grinding together. He was planning something. She

hands and took deep breaths, willing herself to calm down. The dream was a warning, a psychological attack from the man

marble floor of the Metacortex lobby. Her mind was still tangled in the

the door with her usual bright smile. "Good morning, Ms.

her office, her eyes already scanning

caught her attention

A basket.

of food- delicately arranged fruits, gourmet cheeses, and pastries. Claire's

Who sent this?

the corner of her lips, but it vanished when she realized there was no note bearing his name. Instead, a

something

dropped. She stared

words, the paper trembling slightly in her grip

veneer she fought to maintain cracked, and anger flared in

Eligos.

audacity of it. He was playing games

eyes blazing with fury. If this is the game you want to play, Eligos, then

out of her thoughts. She glanced

you okay? Haven't

softening slightly.

fine. Just dealing with...

dots popped

come over? We can yell at the universe

smile ghosted

it handled. I'll

and leaned back in her chair, her eyes drifting back to the basket. She would not let Eligos rattle her. She had too much to lose, too many people depending on her. Matthew needed her strength. Metacortex needed