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 telling me.

more time with a hint of sadness before leaving the balcony for the

the length of her room for what felt like the hundredth time 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

from this suffocating prison. And yet, all she'd done was visit. Empty reassurances, hollow words. Gretta would smile, make vague

Images of Claire danced in her mind - Claire with

Peterson, she thought bitterly, you think

She could

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

to see the look on Claire face when she finally is out from this crazy

from her dark thoughts. Gretta entered, her

her voice dripping with venom. "You just here to check on me 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

tapping the file thoughtfully. "Soon. Just hold

when I get out of here, Claire won't know what

Metacortex, Claire leaned back

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

the window, the London skyline stretching out in the distance. The city felt vast,

another

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

year. The Saint Laurents

their relentless pursuit of prestige,

didn't know which scenario she preferred. Both came with their own complications. And knowing Alexander, he wouldn't pass up a chance to use the occasion to... talk. To unsettle

her from her thoughts. Sandra peeked

lips.

alright, Claire?" she

though the exhaustion in