New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 486 He Owns The Stone The grand hall of the jewelry exhibition buzzed with excitement, the soft murmur of conversations interwoven with the clinking of glasses and the occasional laughter. In the center of the room, a pedestal draped in rich velvet held a stunning ring, its gemstone glittering under the carefully positioned lights. Sophia, the host of the evening, stood beside it, a confident smile gracing her lips as she gathered the guests' attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Sophia's voice rang clear and poised, "thank you for joining us this evening. We are honored to present a truly remarkable piece, featuring a gemstone so rare, it has been coveted by collectors worldwide. This ring, adorned with the Orpheus Stone, is one of a kind."

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd as they moved closer to get a better look at the ring. The gemstone, a mesmerizing deep blue with flecks of gold, seemed to hold the cosmos within it. Claire Peterson stood among the guests, her eyes fixed on the ring, captivated by its beauty.

Next to her, Talia leaned in and whispered, "Claire, that stone is to die for. Look at it. It's like it holds the secrets of the universe."

Claire smiled, nodding in agreement. "It is stunning," she admitted, her gaze never wavering from the ring. "You should buy it," Talia suggested, her voice playful but sincere. "It would suit you perfectly, and you do love collecting unique pieces."

Claire chuckled, her interest piqued. She did have a penchant for acquiring rare and valuable jewelry, pieces that made her feel powerful and unique. Owning the Orpheus Stone would certainly add to her already impressive collection. She was about to inquire further when Sophia's voice broke through her thoughts.

"And now," Sophia continued, her smile broadening, "I am pleased to announce that this magnificent piece already has an owner."

Claire's brow furrowed slightly in surprise. She hadn't anticipated the ring being spoken for so quickly. Her curiosity deepened as she leaned closer to Talia. "I wonder who it is," she mused aloud.

Sophia gestured towards a figure at the edge of the crowd. "Please, join me in welcoming the owner of this extraordinary ring, Mr. Alexander Harris."

Claire's expression shifted from curiosity to shock, her brows shooting up and then knitting into a frown. Alexander Harris. The name echoed in her mind, stirring a mixture of emotions. She had not expected him to be involved, let alone to have secured such rare piece.

Questions swirled in her mind-how had Alexander acquired the ring so quickly? Did he have a prior connection with Sophia?

Her musings were interrupted by the sudden warmth of a hand at her waist, making her startle slightly. She turned quickly, prepared to confront whoever it was, but her expression softened into a smile when she saw Adrian.

He grinned, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Easy there," he chuckled. "I didn't mean to scare you." Claire playfully slapped his arm. "Don't sneak up on me like that," she admonished, though her tone was light.

he murmured. "You seemed lost in thought." Before Claire could respond, Talia chimed in, her voice teasing. "You two are

but a smile tugged at her lips. "Well, maybe you should bring him along next time," she

crowd.

head towards the pedestal. "That ring, with

an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "By

her champagne

mirrored Claire's. "Alexander?

her eyes narrowing as she watched Alexander near the

her gaze. "Think he's

shrugged. "Wouldn't put

off. You know how some

the feeling that there was more to Alexander's purchase than mere vanity. Was it a calculated move, or was he

the

Stone? Either way, felt like a challenge, one she wasn't entirely sure she wanted to engage in, but couldn't

"You think

her eyes steady. "With Alexander, it's always a

get

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luxurious lounge as Claire wandered through the crowd, her eyes scanning for a familiar face. The event was buzzing with the clink of glasses and the murmur of

of the rare gemstone ring piquing her interest. She hadn't planned on confronting him, but the

brow raising slightly in surprise, though a smirk quickly tugged at the corners

in his glass. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" Claire offered a faint smile, her tone light but

enjoying the subtle challenge in her voice. He took a slow sip of his whiskey, his eyes never leaving hers. "Ah, the ring. It is quite the piece, isn't it?" His voice dripped with casual arrogance. "Why do you