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.

she carried. She was

already eyeing her with clear interest, their stares laced with hunger and intrigue. Alexander felt his

infuriating. But what

his. She never would be again. And if he did something rash in public, it wouldn't end well for either of

her, yet the sight of her being admired by others left an uncomfortable tightness in his chest. He turned his attention back to

then, Christian, his business partner, appeared

someone," Christian remarked

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

Because from where I'm standing, it looks a lot like

Christian? Looks to me

his eyes. "Oh come on, Alex. You and I both know 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

his shoulders as he watched Claire speak with one of the investors. He had to remind himself that this wasn't personal-it

Claire, setting his wine glass down

you been?" he

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

course. Claire Peterson, always busy

"You always have

up in a surrender way.

etched on her face as she hates joking in the middle of a business event. Alexander got

"Of

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

to arrive.