New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 476 Andre Showing up

Claire stood frozen in the middle of the ballroom, the festive hum of conversation and laughter swirling around her, distant and surreal.

The weight of Andre's revelation pressed on her chest like a vise. Her mind felt like it was splitting apart, torn between the world she knew and the world that had just been thrust upon her. She swallowed hard, her throat tight, her heart pounding painfully against her ribs.

Adrian's hand rested gently on the small of her back, grounding her. "Claire, let's step outside for a moment," he whispered, his voice soothing, but filled with worry.

She nodded faintly, allowing him to guide her through the crowd. Their exit was seamless, a whisper of movement unnoticed by most of the guests. Once they reached the balcony, the crisp winter air bit into her skin, jolting her out her stupor.

"I-I can't believe what is happening? Am I dreaming? Was that a prank?" Claire asks in a slightly panic tone and disbelief.

She leaned against the cold stone railing, inhaling deeply. The night sky stretched above them, vast and speckled with stars, an indifferent witness to her turmoil.

Adrian stood beside her, his eyes searching her face. "Claire, calm down. Don't panic. Let's figure this put together, okay?" he said softly.

She closed her eyes briefly, then turned to him, her expression conflicted. "How could this happen, Adrian? How could my father keep something like this from me? A brother?" The word tasted foreign on her tongue, unfamiliar and unwelcome.

Adrian's jaw tightened. "I don't know, but you can't blame yourself for this. You didn't know."

"But that's the problem," she said, her voice trembling. "I didn't know. How many other secrets are buried

in my past? How much of what I believed about my family is a lie?"

He stepped closer, cupping her cheek with his hand. "You're not responsible for your father's choices. What matters is who you are now, the life you've built, and the people who care about you."

She leaned into his touch, drawing a shaky breath. "Andre was so angry. I could see the pain in his eyes. And I don't know how to fix this."

answer," Adrian said carefully. "Sometimes, understanding and acceptance are more realistic. You don't have

knot in her chest remained. "You're right. I

stepped onto the balcony, her face lined with worry. "Claire, is everything okay? Some of the guests are

took a deep breath and forced a

a moment, then nodded

sure you want to go back in? We

ruin the night. Mr. Saint Laurent entrusted me with this party, and I won't let

Claire Peterson, and she wouldn't be thrown off

ballroom enveloped them as they returned. The soft glow of the chandeliers, the twinkling lights adorning the grand Christmas tree, and the gentle melody of a string quartet filled the air. Claire plastered on her best smile, greeting guests with

noticed her return and approached with a beaming smile. "There you

a mask. "Thank you, Mr. Saint Laurent. I'm glad

affectionate. "I knew you could do it.

a small balm to the chaos inside

across the

see the cracks forming beneath Claire's perfect facade. The confusion, the pain it

he wasn't done yet. This was only the beginning of his psychological assault.

number. Andre answered after a few rings, his voice shaky.

smoothly. "You did well for your first real

good. I feel bad for attacking her

narrowed,

sharpening. Don't grow a

revenge, don't you? She is living a good life while you are

head. "I mean

You'll get what you deserve trust me.” He ended the call abruptly, a dark satisfaction washing over him. Claire Peterson's world

She moved through the crowd, smiling politely, exchanging pleasantries. Talia caught her eye and hurried over,