New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 477 He’s Back! Claire's heart was still pounding as she looked at Matthew, standing before her with a frail but determined posture. His hazel eyes, though tired, sparkled with warmth, and his smile-weak as it was-felt like the sun breaking through a storm.

"Matthew," she whispered, her voice trembling, "I thought-" Her words caught in her throat, and she just shook her head, fresh tears welling up in her eyes.

Matthew chuckled softly, though his voice carried a hint of strain. "I'm alright, Claire. Really." He gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "It seems I just needed a little extra nap."

Claire managed a shaky laugh, blinking away the tears threatening to spill. "A two-week nap? That's a little more than extra, don't you think?"

He grinned, though the color hadn't quite returned to his face. "Maybe I just wanted to make a dramatic entrance." His eyes softened, and he took a careful breath. "But seriously, I'm here now. I'm okay." She nodded, her hand reaching out to touch his cheek, as if confirming he was real. "I missed you, Matthew. I didn't know how to-how to handle things without you."

His smile faded a little, and he tilted his head, studying her. "I can tell something's been eating at you. I know that look." He paused, his brows drawing together. "What happened while I was out?"

Claire's lips pressed into a thin line, and she glanced away. "It's... complicated."

Matthew let out a soft sigh, his fingers brushing against hers. "Claire, when has anything in our lives not been complicated?" His voice was gentle, but there was an insistence in it. "Talk to me. You know you don't have to go through things alone."

Her eyes flickered to his, full of vulnerability. She hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, her voice low. "It was at the Christmas party." She took a shaky breath. "A man came up to me... he claimed to be my brother."

Matthew's eyes widened, his face a mixture of disbelief and concern. "Your brother? But... how?" She shook her head. "I don't know. He just came up to me and said that he is my half brother. I was confused hearing it and also doesn't believe. I mean who would?"

Matthew's jaw tightened, his eyes darkening. "Claire, that's... that's a lot to process." He paused, considering his words carefully. "Do you believe him?"

She bit her lip, her gaze distant. "I don't know. Part of me doesn't want to believe it. But there was something in his eyes. Pain. Resentment. It felt... real."

hair. "If it is

everything," she muttered bitterly. "Matthew, he confronted me in front of guests. He was angry, hurt. I didn't know what to say, and I just-I felt like my world was shattering." Matthew took her hand in his, his

she was looking into his eyes.

this matter, only mentioning that I am his sister. I was in the middle of a business conversation with my guest then

about what you do now. How about finding him and talking to him about it? Who

"I just... I don't know how to

a small smile. "You've faced worse, haven't you? Eligos, scandals, betrayals -you've come out stronger every time.

shaky breath. "I guess you're right. But it doesn't make it

just proof that you care," he said. "And caring isn't a weakness. It's what makes you who

small, watery smile.

squeezed her hand. "That's because I know you, Claire. You don't have to pretend with

of relief washed over her, the weight on her chest lifting just a bit. "Thank

insisted on taking a slow walk through the hospital garden. Claire walked beside him, her arm looped gently around his

strange to be up and moving again?" she

nodded, inhaling the crisp winter air. "Yeah, but in a good way.

missed you feeling

sound like I was

she said quietly. "I don't know

there," he interrupted gently. "I'm here, and that's

only sound being the crunch of gravel beneath their feet. Finally,

really telling the truth. And if he is... maybe

nodded. "Just remember, you don't owe him your whole