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.

hesitant voice came through.

leaned back, his voice calm but

breath, his nerves

the plan exactly, or you'll regret it." Andre swallowed hard.

pause, the weight of the

said softly before ending

glint of satisfaction in his eyes chilling. Tonight would be a

cuff link. He approach the security and nodded at him. The security stop him

and fake name along side Andre so they both can

your name?" The security said while scrolling down

"Aaron Smith."

find his name but weirdly enough, it took a

sir but your name isn't

appear on his face in an instant as he did not expect something like

check one more time

kone

take that time to scroll on his

his breath as he did not

Damn technology at times.

missed out your name. Please

nodded as he give the security a tight smile before entering the

party, Claire's intuition prickled. Something felt off, a shift in the air she couldn't quite place. Her smile faltered for just

immediately. "Are you

hesitated, her gaze sweeping the room. "I'm not sure. I just... have

tightening around hers. "If something's wrong, we'll handle it.

presence. "I know. But I can't shake

efficiency tempered by concern. "Everything's running smoothly so far, but the security team mentioned a few unfamiliar faces. I've got them watching closely." Claire's jaw clenched. "Stay vigilant.

a shadowed

Andre adjusted the cuff of his jacket, his palms slick with sweat. He scanned the