New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 502 The Truth Andre, who had been lounging on the edge of the bed, stiffened at her words. His usual easygoing smirk faltered for a second before he forced it back into place. "Claire, I don't know what you're talking about." "Don't," Claire warned, her voice laced with quiet fury. Her gaze was sharp, piercing through him like a blade. "I know Eligos sent you. I know you're working for him, trying to make my life a mess." Andre's jaw tightened, but he didn't respond. He was usually good at talking his way out of situations, spinning lies and half-truths until the other person didn't know what to believe anymore. But Claire wasn't just anyone she was relentless, and she had already put the pieces together.

She took a step closer, eyes burning with accusation. "Why did you agree to his offer, Andre?" she demanded, her voice low but filled with venom. "Was it money? Power? Or was it something worse?" Andre parted his lips, about to spew another excuse-until Claire's hand flew across his face. The sharp sound of the slap echoed in the small room.

Andre's head snapped to the side, his cheek stinging from the impact.

"That's enough," Claire seethed, shaking her hand as if trying to rid herself of the disgust she felt. "I've had enough of your bullshit. I want the truth. Now."

Andre remained silent for a moment, his hand pressing against his cheek. A bitter chuckle left his lips as he exhaled through his nose. "Damn, Claire," he muttered, shaking his head. "You don't hold back, do you?"

She folded her arms. "I don't have time for games."

Andre sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, finally giving in. "Fine," he muttered. "Take a seat." Claire narrowed her eyes at him. "I'd rather stand."

"I'm serious this time."

Something about his tone made Claire pause.

For the first time since she barged in, Andre wasn't trying to be charming or deceptive. He wasn't giving her his usual smug attitude or avoiding the question. Instead, he looked... resigned.

Claire exhaled slowly before taking a seat on the couch, keeping a noticeable distance between them. Andre sat in the armchair across from her, his expression unusually somber.

"It all started when Eligos found me in Italy," he began. His voice lacked its usual playfulness. "I was working at a bar, barely making ends meet. I had debts piling up, and my mother-" He hesitated, his eyes flickering with something unreadable. "She was sick. Really sick."

Claire's expression remained unreadable as she listened.

"I wanted nothing to do with Eligos," Andre continued. "I knew his reputation. But then he mentioned something that caught my interest.

Claire stiffened. She already knew what was coming.

"He told me I had a rich half-sibling."

Her fingers curled slightly, but she didn't interrupt.

"Eligos told me that my father-the man I never knew-was also your father," Andre admitted. "Claire, you and I... we're half-siblings."

Silence filled the room.

but inside,

The man she had grown up idolizing, the man

world. The man who had died with his secrets

another family. Another woman.

had never allowed herself to believe in the illusion of perfect families, but this? This was different. It wasn't just an affair-this

her voice steady. "And

he had proof. He showed me documents, old photos, records. He even told

Mom knew.

the truth and had

It hurt. It burned.

softer now. "If you don't believe me, I'll take a DNA test. Hell, I'll even call my mother and let her tell you

breath before shaking her head. "I believe

surprised by her

throat. "Yes." Her

so easily. Maybe because deep down, she

I'd do anything to help my mother, and he promised

mother's medical bills would be taken

silent, her expression

started," Andre admitted.

"Then tell me this-" she leaned forward slightly, her voice sharper now, "who sent me that text? You're being watched. Be careful.'

en

head. "No. That was

Claire's eyes narrowed.

it outright. If Eligos found out, my mother would be at risk. I had

moment before speaking. "Then why didn't you come to me for help?"

Eligos told me you

Claire inhaled sharply.

bet

came to

gave her a tired

Claire. He wasn't wrong,

a thin line. She

Because he was right.

"None of that excuses what you did. No matter