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 he had been

neatly folded piece

With a name.

Allan Smith. One week.

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

Allan Smith. One week.

spine. The name wasn't unfamiliar. Years ago, she had already looked into Allan Smith, trying to untangle the truth 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

he so fixated on Allan

she

at his desk, flipping through a stack of reports when Claire walked in. His sharp gaze lifted, briefly scanning her face. She looked the same as always poised,

he

here is done. I have other things to handle

leaned back in his chair, considering her

information

brows

of his debts has been paid.

worry, Andre told me everything

did?" Alexander sounded surprised,

need to finish

"Investigation?"

the better." Claire nodded

expect to see Matthew leaning against his

at

straightened as she approached, relief evident in

an eyebrow. "You

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

out in one

Claire rolled her eyes.

protest, Matthew was already giving her a once-over, checking

her carefully. "No bruises? No mysterious injuries?

"I said

unconvinced. "Excuse me for wanting to

gave him a pointed look. "I always get into trouble. It's just

can handle everything on your own." Claire's expression

said, gesturing toward the

slid into the vehicle, and

your help looking

Smith? The guy from

"Eligos brought up his name. And not just his name he wants the truth about him." Matthew's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "Why the hell would Eligos care about