New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 469 Something About to Come

Claire's heels clicked lightly against the marble steps of the Saint Laurent mansion as she approached the grand front door. The sprawling estate was illuminated by the warm glow of lights, and the faint hum of laughter and conversation floated through the air.

As always, the mansion exuded an elegance that felt both inviting and overwhelming. But tonight, Claire was determined to leave her worries behind, even if just for a few hours.

The double doors swung open, and Adrian stood there, his smile lighting up the night. He looked

effortlessly handsome in a dark suit, his hair perfectly styled, and his eyes full of warmth. Before she could say a word, he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.

"Hey," he murmured against her lips, his thumb brushing her cheek. "You look stunning, Claire."

She smiled, her tension easing a bit. "Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself."

He chuckled and took her hand, leading her inside. "Thank you, I tried." He gave her a wink that made Claire blush. The warmth of his grip and the sparkle in his eyes made her feel like, for once, everything might just be okay.

The moment they stepped into the foyer, Adriana's cheerful voice rang out. "Claire!"

Claire turned just in time to see Adriana, Adrian's mother, approach with open arms. They shared a

genuine hug, and Claire felt a surge of comfort in the familiar warmth of Adriana's embrace.

"It's been too long," Adriana said, pulling back slightly to get a better look at Claire. Her eyes softened with concern. "How are you, dear?"

"I'm doing fine," Claire replied with a practiced smile. It was her default answer, but tonight, it felt less like a lie.

Adriana's gaze was sharp and motherly. "You seem to have lost weight, though."

Claire's smile faltered slightly, but she brushed it off with a casual shrug. "Work has been demanding lately."

Adriana frowned lightly. "Well, make sure you're eating enough. You can't run the world on an empty stomach."

Claire nodded. "I'll try. Thank you, Adriana."

Adriana said with a warm grin, looping her arm through Claire's. "Come on, let's go join the others

crystal glasses, and an abundance of traditional Thanksgiving dishes. The golden glow of the chandelier above cast a cozy warmth over the room, and the scents of roasted turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, and spiced pumpkin pie filled the

Saint Laurent, Adrian's grandfather, descended the staircase with the kind of dignified grace that only came with age and experience. His eyes twinkled as he

warm and welcoming. "It's always

a respectful nod, a genuine smile curving her lips. "None of that 'Mr.' nonsense tonight," he teased, his eyes crinkling with

kind smile. "We're glad you could join

at Adrian, who squeezed her

felt the warmth of the Saint Laurent family

buzzed with cheerful conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional burst of laughter. For the first time in what felt like forever, Claire let herself

dinner, Richard cleared his throat, a mischievous smile playing on his lips

teasing lilt. "Are you going to tell us how serious things

his cheeks flushed slightly. "Grandfather, you're putting us on

her gaze to her plate, trying to

want to know

scolded, though her eyes sparkled with amusement.

at Adrian,

fluttered. She hadn't expected this night to be so full of lightness and joy. It was a stark contrast to the darkness she'd been

Claire," Adrian whispered in her ear. "He just likes to

laughed softly. "It's all right. I missed

tilted his head slightly.

the table.

her temple. "You'll always have that here. No matter

dinner wound down,

light-hearted. Richard told stories about his

few humorous anecdotes about

everyone to eat more dessert. Claire found

she forgot about Eligos, the threats, and the darkness waiting outside these walls.

people, and the