New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 473 Christmas Party

The days leading up to the party were a whirlwind. Claire barely had time to think as she bounced between managing her business responsibilities and planning every detail of the Christmas party.

Adrian was by her side every step of the way, coordinating with vendors and making sure nothing slipped through the cracks. Sandra, ever-efficient and sharp, handled logistics and kept everything on track with her usual precision.

As the days grew shorter and the event drew closer, Claire's anxiety simmered just beneath the surface. This wasn't just a party; it was a statement. A declaration to the world that Claire Peterson was back, stronger than ever.

But no matter how composed she appeared on the outside, doubt occasionally crept in, gnawing at the edges of her confidence.

The sun had barely set when Claire stood in her penthouse, surrounded by racks of dresses, trays of jewelry, and boxes of shoes. The soft lighting cast a warm glow over the room, though the tension in the air made it feel almost stifling. Talia, her best friend, sat cross-legged on the couch, sipping from a glass of champagne as she surveyed the chaos with a smirk.

"Claire, you're going to wear a hole in the floor if you keep pacing like that," Talia teased, setting down her glass.

Claire paused mid-step and let out a long sigh. "I can't help it, Talia. I haven't done something like this in

years.

Talia stood and walked over, placing her hands on Claire's shoulders. "Hey, look at me."

Claire met her gaze, her eyes filled with uncertainty.

"You're going to be amazing. You've done this before. And you're not alone - Adrian, Sandra, and I all have your back."

Claire's lips twitched into a small smile. "I know. I just... I want everything to be perfect."

"It will be." Talia gave her a reassuring squeeze. "Now, let's get you ready to knock their socks off." Claire nodded, taking a deep breath. "Alright. Let's do this."

Claire had hired a makeup artist and hairstylist to streamline the process, and they were already set up by the vanity. The artist, a poised woman named Mia, smiled warmly as Claire sat down. "We'll take good care of you, don't worry."

As Mia and the hairstylist began their work, Talia took on the role of stylist, sorting through the sea of dresses. "Okay, we need something that says power, elegance, and just a hint of 'I dare you to underestimate me.""

chuckled despite her nerves. "Is that even a category of

you, it should be." Talia grinned, holding up a sleek, midnight-blue gown

widened slightly.

up and stepped back. "It'll hug you in all the right places, and the silver

smoky eye with a touch of silver

took another deep breath. "Let's

Claire allowed herself to relax slightly. The familiar routine of getting ready for a high-profile event anchored her. The motions were second nature, and for a brief moment, she felt like her old self- the one who faced any

woman staring back at

if this doesn't go well? What if they see through me? What if

as if reading her mind, placed a hand on Claire's shoulder. "You're overthinking again." Claire let out a shaky laugh. "How do

me tell you something. The Claire Peterson I know never lets fear win. You've

eyes for a moment,

am." Talia grinned. "Now, let's get you

and the silver heels strapped on, Claire felt a new kind of power surge through her. The gown fit her like a

woman," Talia quipped

staring back at her wasn't just composed -

broke the moment. Adrian's voice came through. "Claire? Can I come in?" "Come

inside, his breath catching as he took in the sight of her. "Wow," he said, his eyes filled with admiration. "You

you. You don't look

adjusting his cufflinks on his tailored suit. "Ready

took a deep breath, the knot of anxiety in her chest loosening.

stepped closer, taking her hands in his. "You don't have

eyes softened. "Thank you, Adrian.

pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Let's

of."

they arrived at the hotel

grandeur of the event hit Claire. The place was lit up like something out of a fairytale with the decorations and the