New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 494 Opening Night

Andre adjusted the cuff of his tailored suit, exhaling slowly as he stared at his own reflection in the hotel room mirror. He had done things like this before, sneaking into places where he wasn't invited, but something about tonight felt different.

Maybe it was the grandeur of the event or the fact that he was walking straight into Claire Peterson's domain. Maybe it was the unshakable feeling that he was playing a role in a game far more dangerous than he understood.

Eligos had warned him to remain calm, to not let any nerves show. As long as he followed instructions, Eligos assured him there would be no issues. Andre had no choice but to trust him. He wasn't naive; he knew Eligos was pulling strings behind the scenes, orchestrating something beyond his grasp.

But why? Why go to such lengths to take revenge on Claire? And more importantly, what exactly did Claire do to warrant this level of animosity? It felt personal, an unresolved vendetta simmering beneath the surface. Andre had his questions, but tonight wasn't the time to ask them.

His phone vibrated. Checking the screen, he saw a message from Eligos.

There's a car waiting for you outside. Get in. No questions.

Andre pocketed his phone without replying and grabbed his coat. When he reached the entrance of the hotel, his steps faltered. Parked just outside was a sleek, black Cadillac, its polished surface gleaming under the dim streetlights. Andre couldn't deny he was impressed. Whatever Eligos was planning, he had resources and a lot of them. The realization made Andre slightly uneasy.

Sliding into the backseat, Andre glanced at the driver, but the man offered no greeting, simply nodding before pulling into traffic. Andre leaned back, watching the city lights blur past. He needed to focus. Whatever Eligos's reasons were, they didn't matter right now. His task was simple get in, blend with the crowd, and wait for further instructions.

Meanwhile, inside the hotel, Claire Peterson descended the elevator, her heels clicking softly against the polished marble floor. Earlier she did arrive early despite Alex being sarcastic and telling her that she was late but Claire excused herself again.

And the moment she stepped into the grand lobby where the event was being held, heads turned. Men stole appreciative glances, some subtle, others more obvious. Claire was used to it. Her presence demanded attention, but she had long since learned to ignore it.

Her dress, a deep black gown, clung to her figure in all the right places, its fabric flowing elegantly with each step. Her brunette hair was side-swept, revealing the graceful curve of her neck and the sharp line of her jaw. She walked with purpose, nodding politely at those she passed, maintaining an air of quiet confidence.

Across the room, Alexander Harris had been engaged in conversation, but the moment Claire stepped out of the elevator, his focus shifted entirely. He just noticed how stunning Claire is despite him talking to Claire a few minutes ago.

carried. She was breathtaking, and

as he surveyed the room. Several men were already eyeing her with clear interest, their stares laced with hunger and intrigue. Alexander felt his jaw clench, but he forced himself to take a slow sip of his

was infuriating. But

he did something rash in public, it

being admired by others left an uncomfortable tightness in his chest. He turned his attention back to his drink, downing the rest

business partner, appeared

someone," Christian remarked with

"You're staring at Claire like you want to drag her out

I'm

you drunk all the wine, Christian? Looks to me that

that you are attracted to Claire but she has a boyfriend and with your longing look like that, it won't look nice on the tabloid or guest." His

with one of the investors.

Claire, setting his wine glass down on a passing waiter's

been?" he said

him. "I left my phone in my room and while at it, I was in the middle

course. Claire Peterson,

rolled her eyes at Alex's sarcastic response. "You always have to argue with

his hands up in a surrender way. "No, I was just joking.

etched on her face as she hates joking in the middle

"Of course, l'apologize for making

to a slow stop across from the hotel entrance. He rolled down the tinted window

to arrive. The