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.

spotted something on the table where he

folded

With a name.

Allan Smith. One week.

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 should, as though it carried

Allan Smith. One week.

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,

was he so fixated on Allan

question that she needs

when Claire walked in. His sharp gaze lifted, briefly scanning her face. She looked the same as always poised, unreadable, and determined. But there was something else, something beneath the surface that made him

heading back already?" he asked, setting the

is done. I have other things

back in his chair, considering

information

raised her brows

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

Don't worry, Andre told me

did?" Alexander sounded surprised, like

However, I need to finish my investigation

"Investigation?"

better." Claire nodded at him and leave his

Heathrow Airport, she didn't expect to see Matthew leaning against his car, arms crossed,

at the

approached, relief evident in his face. "You're

raised an eyebrow.

"Well, considering the mess you walked into

out in one

Claire rolled her eyes.

was already giving her a once-over, checking for any signs of injury. She slapped his

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

sighed. "I

"Excuse me for wanting to make sure

trouble. It's just a matter of whether or not I

you always think you can handle everything on your own." Claire's expression turned serious. "I need

said, gesturing toward

the vehicle, and Matthew started

your help looking into

frowned. "Allan Smith? The guy from

the truth about