New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 503 One Week As the sun dipped lower in the horizon, she found herself outside a high-end restaurant. Deciding she needed a distraction, she stepped inside and requested a table for one.

She ordered a steak and a glass of wine, hoping the meal would help ground her, but before she could even take a bite, a voice from behind sent a chill down her spine.

"How was last night's performance?"

Claire's fork froze mid-air.

The voice was low, smooth, and eerily amused. And though she hadn't turned around, she already knew who it belonged to.

Eligos.

The hunger she had moments ago vanished instantly.

She remained still, her mind racing. She could feel the presence behind her, but before she could turn around, the voice continued, lower this time.

"Don't move," he warned, a dark chuckle escaping him. "Unless, of course, you'd like me to take over Metacortex. Or maybe Cryptonic. That would be fun, wouldn't it?"

Claire's grip on her utensils tightened.

This wasn't just about the hotel disaster. He wanted something.

"Eligos," she said evenly, placing her knife and fork down. "What do you want?"

He hummed, as if pondering. "I want the truth."

Claire's brows furrowed. "Truth about what?"

Eligos let out a small, amused sigh. "Come now, Claire. Don't play dumb."

"I genuinely don't know what you're talking about."

There was a long silence before Eligos finally answered.

"Allan."

Claire's breath hitched slightly.

Eligos leaned in slightly, though they still weren't facing each other. "You have one week, Claire. One week to come to me and admit all your wrongdoings. Tell me the truth about Allan."

Claire turned sharply, but-

He was gone.

Her heart pounded as she looked around. No sign of him. No trace. Just the normal hum of restaurant patrons enjoying their evening.

table where

neatly folded

With a name.

Allan Smith. One week.

car, her fingers lightly tapping against her knee. The encounter with Eligos still played in her mind, each word a lingering echo she couldn't shake off. The piece of paper he left behind felt heavier than it should, as though it carried more than just ink-it carried

Allan Smith. One week.

to untangle the truth behind his life and his supposed death. But with everything that had

was he so fixated on Allan

the question that she needs to find the

a stack of reports when Claire walked in. His sharp gaze lifted, briefly scanning her face. She looked the same as always poised, unreadable, and determined.

already?" he asked, setting

I have other things to

in his chair, considering her

information

brows

debt, a big one then suddenly all of his debts has been paid. And I

right? Don't worry, Andre

Alexander sounded surprised, like

However, I need to finish my investigation on

"Investigation?"

know the better." Claire nodded at him and leave

expect to see Matthew leaning against his car, arms crossed,

smile tugged at

relief evident in

eyebrow. "You

you walked into in Vegas, I wasn't sure if you'd even

in one

Claire rolled her eyes.

she could protest, Matthew was already giving her a once-over, checking for any signs of injury. She

scanning her carefully. "No bruises? No mysterious injuries? No bullet

sighed. "I said

"Excuse me for wanting to make sure you didn't get

look. "I always get into trouble. It's just a matter of whether or not I can handle

handle everything on your own." Claire's expression

gesturing toward the car.

both slid into the vehicle, and Matthew started the

need your help looking into

frowned. "Allan Smith? The guy from the

name he wants the truth about him." Matthew's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "Why the hell would Eligos care about