New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 474 Sneaking In

The warmth and glow of the Christmas party were palpable.

Soft music flowed through the air, mingling with the gentle clink of crystal glasses and the murmur of elegant conversation.

The hotel ballroom was bathed in golden light, and every corner reflected Claire's meticulous attention to detail - from the grand, towering Christmas tree adorned with sparkling ornaments to the garlands wrapped around the sweeping staircase.

Guests were in awe of the festive atmosphere.

Claire, poised and radiant in her midnight-blue gown, stood near the entrance beside Adrian. Their presence together sent ripples through the crowd. Whispers drifted around them-surprised murmurs about the powerful heirs making such a public appearance as a couple.

"She really pulled this off beautifully," one guest whispered.

"Look at them - Claire Peterson and Adrian Saint Laurent. Who would've thought?" another replied. Claire maintained her serene smile, a practiced mask she wore for such occasions. Her fingers toyed subtly with the diamond bracelet on her wrist, a quiet outlet for the tension she refused to show. Adrian leaned in close, his hand gently resting on her waist. His touch grounded her, a reminder that she wasn't facing this alone.

"You're doing amazing," he whispered softly, his breath warm against her ear.

"Thanks to you," she replied, her voice low, a hint of vulnerability slipping through her composed exterior. Just then, Mr. Saint Laurent, Adrian's grandfather, approached with a broad smile. His presence commanded the room; conversations momentarily quieted as he reached them. He wrapped Claire in a warm hug, a rare gesture of affection that spoke volumes.

"You've outdone yourself, Claire," he said, his voice rich with pride. "This is more than I could've hoped for."

Claire smiled genuinely, a flicker of relief breaking through her mask. "Thank you, Mr. Saint Laurent. I'm glad you trusted me with this, even if I wasn't sure I could pull it off."

He chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "I knew you had it in you. Sometimes, we just need a push to remember what we're capable of."

Claire's chest tightened. His words resonated more deeply than she let on. "I appreciate your faith in me." As Mr. Saint Laurent turned to greet another guest, Adrian squeezed her hand. "See? You were always the right person for this."

Claire smiled, feeling a touch of warmth seep into her guarded heart. Maybe, just maybe, she was finding her way back to the woman she once was.

Meanwhile, across the city, Eligos sat in the dimly lit confines of a private office, his eyes cold and calculating. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the surface of his desk, a sinister melody accompanying his thoughts.

The intelligence he'd gathered had paid off. Claire Peterson, the ever-composed and confident businesswoman, was hosting the Christmas party - the perfect stage for his next move. He'd spent too long in the shadows, watching, waiting. Now, it was time to remind her who held the strings.

a number. The line clicked after three

hesitant voice came

leaned back, his voice calm but menacing. "You

nerves barely concealed. "Yes.

narrowed. "Remember, no mistakes. Follow the plan exactly, or you'll regret it."

the

disappoint me," Eligos said

of satisfaction in his eyes

out of his car as he fix his cuff link. He approach the security and nodded at him. The security stop him and scroll on the tablet to check on

face and fake name

us your name?" The security said while scrolling down the tablet. Eligos smile since he knows his name will be

"Aaron Smith."

to find his name but weirdly enough, it

your name

appear on his face in an instant as

one more time

kone

to scroll on his

under his breath as he did

Damn technology at times.

I missed out your name. Please come

he give the security a

Something felt off, a shift in the air she couldn't quite place. Her smile

noticed immediately.

"I'm not sure. I

tightening around hers. "If something's wrong, we'll handle it. You're not alone in

But I can't

team mentioned a few unfamiliar faces. I've got them watching closely." Claire's jaw clenched. "Stay vigilant. If

shadowed

his palms slick