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."

off the phone with Alexander. He reminded me about the Harris Hotel opening

an eyebrow. "That's coming up

On top of that, Eligos is still out there, and I can't shake the feeling that he's planning something."

"Not as much as I'd like. He's not exactly forthcoming with information, and

all of this alone. You've got me, Adrian, even Alexander, that if

Alexander for his help unless...wait, I take that back. I will never ask for his help no matter what is

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

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

out, squeezing his hand. "Thanks, Matthew. I'll keep

before Claire's phone buzzed again. She glanced at it, seeing another message from Adrian, this time suggesting a restaurant for dinner. She quickly replied with

noticed and grinned. "Dinner

nodded. "It's the one bright spot in my

said. "You need something

leave. "I'll check in with you tomorrow. Get

nodded, watching her go.

restaurant Adrian had suggested wasn't long, and Claire allowed herself a few

was already waiting outside, his smile warm and inviting as he spotted her. He opened the door for her,

meeting me," Adrian said, taking her hand across the table.

softly. "You have no

concern flickering in his eyes. "Anytime, but do you want to talk about it?" Claire shook her head. "Not right now. Let's just enjoy dinner. I need a distraction."

and laughter, the outside world momentarily forgotten. Claire found herself relaxing more than she had in days, the tension in her shoulders easing as they talked about everything

the restaurant, the night air was cool, and Claire felt lighter. Adrian walked her to her car, his hand lingering on hers as

her voice soft. "I