New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 484 Patience The afternoon sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the city as Claire left her office, her mind a storm of thoughts. The conversation with Alexander, the looming hotel opening in Las Vegas, the jewelry exhibition, and the ever-present threat of Eligos all swirled around her.

Each concern felt like a thread pulling her in different directions, and yet, Claire knew she couldn't afford to let any of them unravel.

As she made her way to her car, Claire's phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from Adrian. Adrian: "Hey, just checking in. How's your day going?"

Claire allowed herself a small smile. Adrian's texts were always a brief respite from the chaos. She quickly typed back.

Claire: "Busy, as usual. Work, work, and work. You?"

The response came almost immediately.

Adrian: "Same here. I got a load of paperwork to sign and read but I don't have the energy to do it. Anyway, I thought about grabbing dinner together tonight? If that's okay with you.'

Claire hesitated, her fingers hovering over the screen. The idea was tempting, a chance to unwind and escape the constant pressures, but she wasn't sure she could relax just yet. Still, the thought of seeing Adrian and spending time with him was more appealing than anything else she had planned. Claire: "That sounds perfect. Let's do it. I will see you soon."

She hit send and slid into the driver's seat, her mind briefly shifting to the pleasant thought of dinner with Adrian. But as she drove towards the hospital to check on Matthew, the weight of her responsibilities settled back onto her shoulders. There were still too many unanswered questions, too many loose ends.

At the hospital, Matthew was sitting up in bed, flipping through a magazine, though his eyes weren't really focused on the pages. When Claire entered, he looked up, his face lighting up with a smile.

"Claire, hey," he greeted, setting the magazine aside. "You look like you've had a day."

Claire chuckled softly, taking a seat next to his bed. "That's an understatement."

Matthew studied her for a moment. "Something on your mind? You look... tense."

arms. "I just got off the phone with

raised an eyebrow. "That's coming up

is still out there, and I can't shake the feeling that he's planning something." Matthew nodded thoughtfully. "And Andre? Have

and every time

know, Claire, you don't have to handle all of this

crossed her arms over her chest and rolled her eyes. "I will never ask Alexander for his help unless...wait, I take that back. I will never ask for his help no matter what is the circumstances." Matthew lightly chuckled. "Seems like your hatred runs deep into your

small smile, appreciating the sentiment. "I know, but sometimes it feels like I'm the only one

"But don't forget that even the strongest need a

reached out, squeezing his hand. "Thanks,

glanced at it, seeing another message from Adrian, this time suggesting a restaurant for dinner. She quickly replied

noticed and grinned. "Dinner with

one bright spot in

said. "You need something like that

stood, preparing to leave. "I'll check in with you tomorrow. Get

go. "You

The drive to the restaurant Adrian had suggested wasn't long, and Claire allowed herself a few moments of peace

inviting as he spotted her. He opened the door for her, and they were quickly seated at a quiet corner table, away from

Adrian said, taking her hand across the table. "You seemed like you could

exhaled softly. "You have no idea. Thank you

her head. "Not right now. Let's just enjoy dinner. I need a distraction."

forgotten. Claire found herself relaxing more than she had in days,

and Claire felt lighter. Adrian walked

tonight," Claire said, her