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 on, let's

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

kind of dignified grace that only came with age and

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

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,"

"We're glad

she admitted, glancing at Adrian, who squeezed her

Claire felt the

a comforting blanket. The table buzzed with cheerful conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the

a mischievous smile playing on his lips

"Are you going

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

heated up, and she lowered her gaze to her plate, trying to suppress a

want to know when we'll be making room for another

her eyes sparkled with amusement. "Let them be.

Adrian, and he

warm, reassuring smile. Her heart fluttered. She hadn't expected this night to be so full of lightness and joy. It was

her ear. "He just likes to

all right. I missed

tilted his head

she said, gesturing around the table. "Family. Laughter. Feeling...

her

the dinner wound down,

more light-hearted. Richard told stories about his youth,

few humorous anecdotes about

Kept encouraging everyone to eat more dessert. Claire found herself genuinely laughing, the tension in her shoulders melting away bit

darkness waiting outside these walls. All that

and