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.

had no choice. He was already here, and the stakes were too high. Failure wasn't

his reflection in the window looking back at him with determination.

in his hand, jolting him from his thoughts. It was a call from his mother. He took another deep breath before answering, forcing a smile onto his face as he greeted her. "Mama." Her

Mama. More importantly, how are you feeling?" "I'm doing alright," she replied, her voice soft but carrying

keep him updated on any changes. "Mama, you

you here, by my side," she said, her voice tinged with

be there too, but his obligations-and Eligos's grasp kept him away. "Soon, Mama.

the hospital and the nurses offering him a brief respite from

call ended, André lay back

mingling with Eligos's orders. Failure wasn't just a professional

buzzed again, this

go smoothly. No

steeling himself for the challenge ahead.

to himself than to Eligos. He couldn't

on the plane, Eligos

to Claire. She was sharp, perceptive, and always a few steps ahead. That was precisely why Andre's role was crucial. Claire needed to remain uncertain, her mind clouded with questions about André's sudden appearance

smirk playing on his lips. This wasn't just about business; it was about control, about staying

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

Status update

moment later,