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 sitting moments

folded piece

With a name.

Allan Smith. One week.

backseat of the car, her fingers lightly tapping against her knee. The encounter with Eligos still played in her mind, each word a lingering

Allan Smith. One week.

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 back

was he so fixated

that she needs to

her face.

already?" he asked, setting the papers

I have other things

back in his chair,

information about

raised her brows at his

one then suddenly all of his

worry, Andre told

sounded surprised, like

However, I need to finish my investigation

"Investigation?"

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

Airport, she didn't expect to see

at the corner of

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

eyebrow. "You sound

the mess you walked into in Vegas, I wasn't sure

in

Claire rolled her eyes.

Matthew was already giving her a once-over, checking for any

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

"I said

crossed his arms, unconvinced. "Excuse me for wanting

always get into trouble. It's just a matter of whether

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

gesturing toward the car.

both slid into the vehicle, and

your help looking into

"Allan Smith? The

name he wants the truth about him." Matthew's grip on the steering