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.""

her nerves. "Is

up a sleek, midnight-blue gown

widened slightly. "It's

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

at the dress. "I can do a smoky eye with a touch of silver shimmer

another deep breath.

Claire allowed herself to relax slightly. The familiar routine of getting ready for a high-profile event anchored her.

back at her looked poised

if they see through me? What if I

a hand on Claire's shoulder. "You're overthinking again."

way," Talia said softly. "But let me tell you something. The Claire Peterson I know never lets fear win. You've faced worse than this,

her eyes for a moment, absorbing her best friend's words.

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

zipped up and the silver heels strapped on, Claire felt a new kind of power surge through her. The gown fit her like a glove, the midnight-blue fabric pooling elegantly around her feet. Talia handed her a pair of diamond earrings and

the woman," Talia quipped as Claire slipped

the mirror one final time. The woman staring back at her wasn't just composed

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

stepped inside, his breath catching as he took in the sight of her.

you. You

his cufflinks on his tailored suit. "Ready

deep breath, the knot of anxiety in her chest loosening. "As ready

have to be perfect tonight.

eyes softened. "Thank you, Adrian. I needed

kiss to her forehead. "Let's go show them what

of."

arrived at the

event hit Claire. The place was lit up like something out of a fairytale with the decorations and the soft glow of lights reflecting off the