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."

with a warm grin, looping her arm through Claire's.

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

with the kind of dignified grace that only came with age and experience.

my dear," he greeted, his deep voice warm and welcoming. "It's always a pleasure to

she replied with a respectful nod, a genuine smile curving her lips. "None of that 'Mr.' nonsense tonight," he teased, his eyes crinkling with mirth. "Call me Richard." "Alright, Richard," she said, a soft chuckle

Adrian's father, followed closely behind, offering Claire a kind smile. "We're glad you could join

at

all settled around the dinner table, Claire felt the warmth of

table buzzed with cheerful conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional burst of

throat, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as he turned his

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

slightly. "Grandfather, you're putting us on

heated up, and she lowered her gaze to her

want to know when we'll

them that." Adriana scolded, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. "Let them be. They

at Adrian, and he

this night to be so full of lightness and joy. It was a stark contrast to the darkness

him, Claire," Adrian whispered in her

softly. "It's all

tilted his head slightly. "Missed

the table. "Family. Laughter.

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

the dinner wound down,

grew even more light-hearted. Richard told stories about his

few humorous anecdotes about

eat more dessert. Claire found herself genuinely laughing, the

the threats, and the darkness waiting outside these walls.

and the