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. "Ok, thank you for

with a hint of sadness before leaving the balcony for the

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

free from this suffocating prison. And yet, all she'd done

her skin. Images of Claire danced in her mind - Claire

bitterly, you think you're

twisted smile spread across her lips. She could almost taste the

down, humiliated, destroyed. A bloodbath, if necessary. Whatever it took to

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

her dark thoughts. Gretta entered, her expression unreadable, clutching a

again?" Gretta's eyes flickered with annoyance, but she kept her tone calm. "Things take time, Lisa. I can't just snap my fingers and get you out of here. If we're going to

tapping the file thoughtfully. "Soon. Just hold

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

Claire

chair, a sigh escaping her lips as she set her pen down. The 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 a brief respite, a taste of warmth and normalcy. But the world she lived in was rarely so

stretching out in the distance. The city felt vast, impersonal - a

another event loomed

Christmas dinner party. The mere thought of it made her shoulders tense. She had a feeling it would be hosted by one of two families - the Saint Laurents or the Harrises.

family might take the reins this year. The Saint Laurents were known for their impeccable taste

Harris family, with their relentless pursuit of prestige, could just as easily claim the event for

Both came with their own complications. And knowing Alexander, he wouldn't pass up a

the door pulled her from her thoughts. Sandra peeked her head in, a cautious smile

lips.

Claire?" she asked

in her eyes betrayed her.