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.

she spotted something on the table where he had been

neatly folded piece of

With a name.

Allan Smith. One week.

Las Vegas blurred past as Claire sat in the backseat of the 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

Allan Smith. One week.

untangle the truth behind his life and his supposed death. But

he so

she

stack of reports when Claire walked in. His sharp gaze lifted, briefly scanning her face. She looked the same

heading back already?" he asked, setting the

"My work here is done. I have

his

information

raised her brows at

of his debts has been paid.

Don't worry, Andre told

did?" Alexander sounded surprised, like he

However, I need to

"Investigation?"

least you know the better." Claire nodded at him and

Claire stepped out of Heathrow Airport, she didn't expect to see Matthew leaning against his car,

slight smile tugged at the

as she approached, relief evident in

eyebrow. "You sound

scoffed. "Well, considering the mess you walked into

out in one

Claire rolled her eyes.

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

ignored her protests, still scanning her carefully. "No bruises? No mysterious injuries?

"I

wanting to make sure you didn't

"I always get into trouble. It's just a

on your own." Claire's expression

gesturing toward the

both slid into the vehicle, and Matthew started

help looking into Allan Smith

The guy from the

name. And not just his name he wants the truth about him."