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 to

her chest remained.

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

a hand through her hair. She took a deep breath and forced a calm smile onto her face.

for a moment, then nodded and disappeared

sure you want to go back in? We can leave

the night. Mr. Saint Laurent entrusted me with this party, and

was Claire Peterson, and she wouldn't be thrown off course

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 the poise they expected

"There you are, my dear! The party has

"Thank you,

his voice low and affectionate. "I knew

heart, a small balm to the chaos inside her. She nodded, squeezing his hand.

across the room,

the scene unfold, a smug grin curling his lips. He could see the cracks forming beneath

the satisfaction of his plan unfolding. But he wasn't done yet. This was only the beginning of his psychological assault. He needed her distracted, vulnerable, off

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

impressed." Eligos said smoothly. "You did well for your first real

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

narrowed, his

sharpening. Don't grow a

Remember why you're doing this. You want revenge, don't you? She is living a good life while you are struggling to even fulfill

"I mean half bad. Does

trust me.” He ended the call abruptly, a dark satisfaction

crowd, smiling politely, exchanging pleasantries. Talia caught her eye and hurried over, her