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."

it isn't the answer," Adrian said carefully. "Sometimes, understanding and

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

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

breath and forced a calm smile onto her face. "I'll

for a moment, then nodded and

to go back in? We can leave if you

"I'm not letting this ruin the night. Mr. Saint Laurent entrusted me with this party, and I won't

breath, her spine straightening. She was Claire Peterson, and she wouldn't be thrown

twinkling lights adorning the grand Christmas tree, and the gentle melody of a string quartet

smile. "There you are, my dear! The party has been a tremendous

smiled, though it felt like a mask. "Thank you, Mr. Saint

and affectionate. "I knew you could do it. You're stronger than

to the

the

curling his lips. He could see the cracks forming beneath Claire's perfect facade. The confusion, the pain it was

plan unfolding. But he wasn't done yet. This was only

and dialed a number. Andre answered after a few rings, his voice shaky. "Yeah? How

Eligos said smoothly. "You

somehow It didn't feel good. I feel bad for attacking her like that in

eyes narrowed, his

sharpening. Don't grow a

revenge, don't you? She is living a good life while you are struggling to even fulfill your daily meals and yet you

head. "I mean half bad. Does

He ended the call abruptly, a dark satisfaction washing over him.

ballroom, Claire tried to shake off the lingering unease. She moved through the crowd, smiling politely, exchanging pleasantries. Talia caught her eye and hurried over, her face bright with