New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 480 Locating Andre The faint glow of the laptop illuminated Matthew's face as he continued his search, his fingers flying across the keys. Claire leaned against the side of his bed, her mind racing with possibilities and

unanswered questions. The revelation of Andre's existence still gnawed at her, the bitterness in his eyes from the party haunting her thoughts.

After several minutes of fruitless searching, Matthew sighed and pushed the laptop aside. "I don't get it. There should be something on him. But it's like he's a ghost."

Claire nodded slowly, her fingers drumming against her thigh. "That's because someone doesn't want us to find him. Someone with enough influence and resources to erase digital footprints."

"Eligos," Matthew muttered, his jaw tightening.

She sighed, looking at him with a weary expression. "He's always three steps ahead, isn't he?"

Matthew squeezed her hand gently. "He might be ahead right now, but we've caught up before. We can do it again." He paused, his gaze searching her face. "How are you holding up, really?"

Claire's eyes softened. She knew Matthew well enough to understand he wasn't asking out of mere curiosity. He genuinely cared, and for a moment, she let her guard slip. "I feel like everything I know about my life is unraveling. First the scandal with Adrian, and now this half-brother I never knew existed." Matthew nodded. "It's a lot to process."

She exhaled sharply, trying to steady her thoughts. "It's not just about processing it. I need to act. I can't let Eligos keep pulling the strings."

"We won't," Matthew assured her. "We just need a new angle. If the digital trail is gone, maybe it's time for some old-fashioned detective work.

Claire arched a brow. "You're suggesting we hit the streets?"

Matthew smirked. "Why not? We've done it before."

A reluctant smile tugged at her lips. "I suppose you're right. But first, you need more rest."

Matthew rolled his eyes. "I've rested enough. I'm ready to get back in the game."

She gave him a stern look. "Doctor's orders, Matthew."

"Fine, fine," he relented with a grin. "But at least let me help you strategize. We can't just stumble around blindly."

Claire nodded, her mind already spinning with ideas. "We need to figure out who Andre really is and where he's been all these years. If Eligos is using him, there has to be a point of contact, someone who brought Andre into Eligos's web."

in thought. "You said Andre seemed bitter. He's clearly been fed a story. If we can figure out what he believes, we can

me. That much was obvious. He

him that you're responsible for his struggles," Matthew said. "If we can find out what those struggles

with determination. "I can have my contacts in the city check financial records, public

the Claire I

her shoulders. "Okay, let's do this. But for

Matthew chuckled. "You're relentless."

you love it," she shot

"Guilty as charged."

turned to leave, he

the doorway, looking

what happens, you're not

eyes softened. "I know. And I'm grateful

desk, her laptop open in front of her as she made a series of encrypted calls. Her contacts

of the best at uncovering could dig

If

her chair, listening as her last contact promised to get back to her within a few hours. The waiting was always the hardest part, and the gnawing uncertainty was starting to wear

QUMS

door creaked open, and

smiled gratefully. "You

flicked to Claire's face, concern evident.

the coffee helped ease

chair across from Claire. "Is this about that guy from the party? The one

widened slightly. "You

to miss. And I couldn't help but

Sandra, but this was uncharted territory.

eyes widened. "Wow. That's...

existed. And now, he shows up at the Christmas

leaned forward. "Do you think

filling his head with