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.

something on the table where he had been sitting moments

small, neatly folded piece of

With a name.

Allan Smith. One week.

Eligos still played in her mind, each word a lingering echo she couldn't shake off. The piece of paper

Allan Smith. One week.

behind his life and his supposed death. But with everything that had happened Robert, Gretta, Lisa, Alex, Frank-her search had faded into the background. Now, Eligos had thrust it back to the

so fixated on

question that she needs to

through 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. But there

he asked, setting the papers

done. I have other things to handle

back in his chair, considering

information about

raised her brows at

all of his debts has

Andre

Alexander sounded surprised, like he didn't expect

need to finish my

"Investigation?"

the better." Claire nodded at him

to see Matthew leaning against his

at

straightened as she approached, relief evident in his

raised an eyebrow.

walked into in Vegas, I

out in one

Claire rolled her eyes.

a once-over, checking for any signs of injury. She slapped his hands away.

scanning her carefully. "No bruises? No mysterious

sighed. "I said

crossed his arms, unconvinced. "Excuse me for wanting to make sure you didn't get into

look. "I always get into trouble. It's

his head. "And you always think you can handle everything on your own." Claire's expression turned serious. "I need to talk to you

toward the

slid into the vehicle, and

help looking

"Allan Smith? The guy from

brought up his name. And not just his name he wants the truth about him." Matthew's