New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 481 Questioning Andr The tension in the room was palpable as Claire stepped into Andre's flat, her heels clicking softly against the wooden floor. Her eyes scanned the space, noting its unexpected elegance. The furnishings were modern and sleek, the kind of decor that didn't scream extravagance but definitely hinted at comfort and wealth. It didn't fit the narrative of someone who had struggled their entire life, as Andre had suggested during their previous encounter.

Claire crossed her arms, her gaze locking onto Andre as he shut the door behind her. "Nice place," she said coolly, though her tone carried an edge. "Not exactly what I expected."

Andre smirked, leaning casually against the wall, though there was a flicker of tension in his posture. "Why? Did you think I'd be living in some run-down shack?" His tone was laced with sarcasm, but Claire could sense the underlying bitterness.

"I'm not here to play games," Claire said sharply. "Who are you, and what do you want from me?" Andre's smirk widened, though it didn't reach his eyes. He pushed off the wall and moved across the room, his movements deliberate and slow. "Isn't it funny," he began, his voice dripping with mock amusement, "how you walk into my life, acting like I'm the one intruding? Yet here you are, demanding answers."

Claire's patience was wearing thin. She didn't have time for cryptic remarks or games. "I have every right to demand answers," she snapped. "You show up uninvited at my party, call me your sister, and then vanish without explaining anything. Now I'm here, giving you a chance to clarify, so I suggest you start talking.'

Andre let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "You really don't know, do you?" He met her gaze, his expression equal parts incredulous and sardonic. "With all the resources at your disposal, you didn't bother to dig up anything about me?"

Claire's frown deepened, her annoyance growing. "I wanted to hear it from you," she said firmly. "I don't make assumptions based on half-truths or conjecture."

Andre raised an eyebrow, impressed despite himself, though he didn't let it show. "How noble of you," he said dryly, turning his back to her as he walked toward the window. He stared out at the city below, his voice quieter now. "But I'm not going to make this easy for you."

Claire's annoyance flared into outright frustration. "I'm not here to play detective, Andre. If you want to waste time with cryptic comments, fine. But don't expect me to stick around for it."

Andre turned back to face her, his expression hardening. "Fine," he said, his voice colder now. "You want answers? Here's one: my mother is laying sick in the hospital bed. Meanwhile, you were living your perfect life, oblivious to the fact that you even had a brother."

Claire's breath caught, the weight of his words hitting her like a blow. "I... I didn't know," she said softly, her tone losing some of its sharpness.

you didn't," Andre spat. "Why would you? You had everything handed to you on a silver platter. Meanwhile, I was scraping

tightened. "Andre, I didn't even know you

crossing over his chest. "But it doesn't change the fact

I didn't even know about?" she

simmering beneath the surface. "Maybe not," he admitted grudgingly. "But

onto your

room was silent, the weight of their

will tell you a glimpse of my past

hesitated, she finally lowered herself onto the sleek gray couch. Andre

he

They had me, but he left before I was even born. She raised me on her own, never asking for anything from him. But when she got sick..."

He paused, swallowing sick..."

racing. "And that's

I tried everything else-loans, odd jobs, anything to pay for her treatment. But it wasn't enough. That's when" He hesitated, his jaw tightening "Look, it doesn't matter

exist."

and over again. "I told you that I have no

disbelief. "I knew

into the point. "Who sent

and walked near the window. "No one. No one sent me. I came on