New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 471 Always Claire

Alexander stood on the balcony, the city skyline spread out before him like a glittering tapestry. The cold breeze stung his cheeks, but he barely noticed. His mind was too tangled up in thoughts of Claire. He let out a deep sigh, his breath fogging in the chill air.

He'd considered inviting Claire to the Harris family Thanksgiving dinner, concocting the idea of a "business bonding" excuse just to see her. But even in his imagination, he could already hear her sharp refusal, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Claire wasn't the type to accept half-truths or hidden motives. The thought of her rolling her eyes at him was enough to squash the idea.

And yet, despite his hesitation, the gnawing regret wouldn't leave him. He missed her. More than he wanted to admit.

Why? Why Claire from all of the people he have to think about? Not to mention Claire was his ex-wife. Alexander thought to himself.

Why does it always come back to you, Claire?

He wondered bitterly. No matter how far he tried to distance himself, she was always there — an unrelenting presence in his mind.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the balcony door opening again. He turned, half-expecting his father, but instead, it was Abigail again. Her dark eyes looked up at him, filled with concern and also curiosity.

"Alex," she said softly, wrapping a shawl tighter around her shoulders. "Are you okay?"

He managed a tired smile. "Yeah. Just... thinking."

"Your mum called you. She said she have something important to tell you."

Alex raised his brows then frowned wondering what his mother wanted to tell him about. "Did she said why?"

Abigail shook her head. "No, but it seems that she wanted to talk to you about something."

sighed as he turned towards the view of the night sky.

hint of sadness before leaving

that day. The walls, a lifeless shade of beige, seemed to close in on her. Her fists clenched at her sides, her nails digging into her palms as she fought back a wave of

And yet, all she'd done was visit. Empty reassurances, hollow words. Gretta would smile, make vague promises of "patience" and "timing," but Lisa was running

simmered just beneath her skin. Images of Claire danced in her mind - Claire with her

thought bitterly, you think you're untouchable. But your time

lips. She could almost taste

bloodbath, if necessary. Whatever

Claire face when she finally is out from this crazy ward that fills

door creaked open, pulling Lisa from her dark thoughts. Gretta

tone calm. "Things take time, Lisa. I can't just snap my

tapping the file thoughtfully. "Soon. Just hold on a little longer. Everything

eyes darkened. "It better be. Because when I get out of here, Claire won't know

Claire leaned back

glow of her desk lamp cast a soft light across the room, but the fatigue in her eyes refused to fade. The Thanksgiving dinner at the Saint Laurents' had been

out in the distance. The city felt

now, another

had a feeling it would be hosted by one of two families - the Saint Laurents or the

suspected Adrian's family might take the reins this year. The Saint Laurents were known

the Harris family, with their relentless pursuit of

he wouldn't pass up a chance to use the occasion to... talk.

her thoughts. Sandra

lips.

alright, Claire?"

though the exhaustion in her eyes betrayed