New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 490 “I Won’t Fail.” Eligos reclined in his plush first-class seat, savoring the tranquility of the flight. The hum of the engines was a soothing backdrop to his thoughts as he sipped on a glass of champagne. The air stewardess, dressed impeccably, approached with a tray of chocolate-covered strawberries. She leaned in, her smile warm and professional.

"Would you care for a strawberry, sir?" she offered, her voice soft and inviting.

Eligos nodded, plucking one from the tray. "Thank you," he murmured, his lips curling into a subtle smile as he bit into the strawberry. The rich chocolate paired with the juicy fruit was a decadent contrast he appreciated.

As the stewardess moved on to attend to other passengers, Eligos turned his attention to his phone. He tapped the screen, bringing up a text thread with Andre. His fingers danced over the keyboard as he composed a message.

Eligos: Remember, Andre. No shaking or quivering in front of Claire. She can read people like an open book. We need her to stay curious about how you managed to fly to Vegas. Don't give her any clues. He hit send and leaned back, eyes narrowing as he thought about the unfolding scheme. Andre was a critical piece in this game, and he had to play his part well. Eligos was still annoyed about Andre revealing snippets of his past to Claire, despite the promises to keep it under wraps. It was a breach of trust, and though Eligos was furious, he had decided to trust Andre, for now.

The phone buzzed in his hand, pulling him from his thoughts.

Andre: I understand. I'll handle it. Claire won't know a thing.

Eligos frowned, his jaw tightening. He wasn't convinced. He typed back a curt response.

Eligos: See that you do. Any slip, and you know the consequences.

He placed the phone on the armrest and took another sip of his champagne. The grand opening of Harris

Hotel was a pivotal moment. Everything had to go according to plan, without a hitch.

In a hotel room across town, André sat on the edge of his bed, his phone clutched tightly in his hand. Eligos's message glared back at him, the words sending a shiver down his spine. The weight of the task ahead pressed heavily on his shoulders. He exhaled slowly, trying to steady his nerves as he gazed out the window at the dazzling lights of Las Vegas.

mind. But he knew he had no choice. He was

breath, his reflection in the window looking back at him with determination. "You've got this,"

before answering, forcing a smile onto his face as he greeted her. "Mama." Her voice, though weak,

Mama. More importantly, how are you feeling?" "I'm doing alright," she replied, her voice soft but carrying a hint of false cheer. "The

than she let on. He had made arrangements with the hospital staff to keep him updated on any changes. "Mama, you know you can tell me if you're not feeling well. I

I need most is to see you here, by my side," she said,

there too, but his obligations-and Eligos's grasp kept him away. "Soon, Mama. I'll come as soon

respite from his anxieties. He listened

ended, André lay

orders. Failure wasn't just a professional risk; it was personal. He couldn't afford to let anyone down-not his mother, and certainly

this time a

go smoothly.

challenge ahead. "I won't let

silence, more to himself than to Eligos. He couldn't afford

the

his seat, satisfied with André's brief response. His thoughts drifted to Claire. She was sharp, perceptive, and always a few steps ahead. That was precisely why

lips. This wasn't just about business; it was about control, about staying one step ahead of Claire and ensuring she was never comfortable

his phone, scrolling through his messages until he found a secure chat with one of his

update on

later, the reply