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."

warm grin, looping her arm through Claire's. "Come

China, crystal glasses, and an abundance of traditional Thanksgiving dishes. The golden glow of

the staircase with the kind of dignified grace

my dear," he greeted, his deep voice warm and welcoming.

lips. "None of that 'Mr.' nonsense tonight," he teased, his eyes crinkling with mirth. "Call me Richard." "Alright, Richard," she said, a soft chuckle escaping

offering Claire a kind smile. "We're glad

at Adrian, who

they all settled around the dinner table, Claire felt the warmth of the Saint Laurent family

and the occasional burst of laughter. For the

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

he said, his voice carrying a teasing lilt. "Are you going to tell us how serious

chuckled, but his cheeks flushed slightly. "Grandfather,

gaze

now. We all adore Claire. I just want to know

sparkled with amusement. "Let them be. They will be embarrassed by

Adrian,

so full of lightness and joy. It was a stark

whispered in her ear. "He just

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

his head

the table. "Family.

He leaned in, his lips brushing her temple. "You'll always have that here. No

dinner

Richard told stories about

few humorous anecdotes about

and Adriana Kept encouraging everyone to eat more dessert. Claire found herself genuinely laughing, the tension in her shoulders

and the darkness waiting outside these walls.

and