New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 472 Hosting the Christmas Party

Claire sat at her desk, fingers tapping restlessly against the polished wood. The soft hum of her office seemed unusually loud as she stared blankly at her phone. Her mind was still reeling from the conversation she'd just had with Mr. Saint Laurent.

"A

Christmas party, Claire. It's time."

His voice, full of warmth and gentle authority, echoed in her mind. He'd always spoken to her like she was a part of the family, which made the call all the more difficult to process.

"But why me?" she had asked, trying to keep the disbelief out of her tone.

"Because it's been three years, dear," he had replied kindly. "You disappeared for too long. It's time for the world - for your peers to know that Claire Peterson is back. Hosting this party will show everyone that you are still a force to be reckoned with."

She leaned back in her chair, pinching the bridge of her nose. The weight of his words pressed on her shoulders, and no matter how many times she tried to reject the idea, he had countered with an unshakeable faith in her.

Earlier That Morning

The phone call had come just as she was reviewing some reports. Sandra had barely announced it before she picked up, curiosity piqued. Mr. Saint Laurent didn't often call her directly.

"Good morning, Claire," his voice had rumbled warmly.

"Good morning, Mr. Saint Laurent," she greeted politely, though she felt a twinge of apprehension.

"I'm sorry for interrupting your morning but I won't take your time for too long. So, the reason why I called you is that I want you to host this year's Christmas party," he said, his tone gentle but resolute.

The air seemed to thin around her. She blinked, certain she had misheard. "I'm sorry, did you say me hosting the party?"

"Yes," he affirmed. "It's been too long since you've hosted anything. You've been back for months, and yet the world still doesn't know that Claire Peterson has returned. I think it's time to change that."

"Mr. Saint Laurent, I appreciate the sentiment, but I can't." She sighed, her fingers tightening around the edge of her desk. "I'm swamped with work. There's too much going on right now, and-"

"I know you can do it," he interrupted gently. "You've always managed to balance the impossible. This is important, Claire. You need to remind everyone of who you are. And more importantly, you need to remind yourself."

"Isn't my appearance is not enough?" Claire asks, slightly frowning.

doesn't know about you more and I hate the fact that some people look down on you just because you

absence gnawing at the edges of her mind. "I don't know if I can, Mr. Saint Laurent. Matthew always handled these things

his voice firm. "I know it's hard, but you're not alone. We'll all be here to support you. You've never needed anyone to stand in front of you, Claire. You're strong enough to handle

the warmth in his tone made her heart ache.

an opportunity to show the world that Claire Peterson is still

in stunned silence, the weight of his words slowly

from her seat. The memory of Matthew was a persistent ghost. They had planned so many of

her from her thoughts. She glanced at the

a moment before picking up. "Hey," she said, trying

found out what my grandfather asked you to do. Claire, I'm

"It's okay, Adrian. He meant

said gently, "but you shouldn't have to do this if you don't want to. You've

back

"It's not

to. It's just... Matthew

e. It

these things with

wrong to do

a pause on the line. "I understand," Adrian said finally. "But you don't have to do it alone. Let me help

it. "You're busy enough as it is. Besides, I need

gentle. "You don't have to handle everything alone.

frustration and gratitude welling

no for an answer," he cut in. "This isn't just about the party. It's about you. You've

strong for you

time."

en

the barriers she kept so

"You're

a chuckle. "So, what

her lips.

in his voice. "We'll make this the

"Let's not