New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex) novel Chapter 171

“I mean don’t you…you know…sometimes feel a little bit suspicious of your customer?” asked Matthew hesitating. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, trying to appear casual.

The man behind the counter narrowed his eyes at Matthew. “Why are you asking?” he replied.

Matthew shrugged, attempting to look nonchalant. “I'm just curious, I need to find someone.”

The man behind the counter raised an eyebrow. “We don't have any suspicious customers here,” he said flatly. “If you're looking for someone suspicious, this isn't the place to find them.”

Matthew frowned. “Can I at least see the surveillance camera footage?” he asked, his voice tinged with desperation.

The man shook his head firmly. “I can't do that,” he said. “It's against our policy.”

Matthew sighed, realizing he wasn't going to get anywhere with this approach. “It's really important,” he insisted. “I'm trying to help a friend.”

But the man's answer remained the same. “Sorry, but I can't help you.”

Defeated, Matthew turned and left the internet café, stepping out into the bright afternoon sun. He walked to his car, feeling the weight of frustration settling on his shoulders. As he sat in the driver's seat, he took a moment to think.

Why had he even bothered with the legal route? He had other skills, skills that could get him the information he needed without having to rely on someone else's cooperation.

Matthew laughed softly to himself. He had amazing hacking skills, after all. Why not use them? He reached into his bag and pulled out his laptop, setting it on his lap.

“Why did I thought of this earlier? Sometimes I could be stupid and smart at the same time.”

His fingers danced over the keyboard with practiced ease, and within minutes, he had hacked into the surveillance system of the internet café. A smile of satisfaction spread across his face as he gained access to the cameras.

He began to replay the footage from a few days ago, the day when Claire's news had been posted on social media. As the video played, he scanned the faces of the customers, looking for any sign of the person he was searching for.

Matthew, in his car, was deeply engrossed in his task. His eyes flicked back and forth across the screen, his mind racing as he tried to piece together any clues. Hours slipped by, the video showing nothing more than people entering and leaving, just another uneventful day. Frustration gnawed at him as he realized he might be looking in the wrong place.

Sighing, Matthew closed the video. He cross the line through the first location.

“This place is not it then.” He muttered to himself disappointedly hopping that this place might be the one.

Matthew glanced out of the window, deep in thought. “Can this place be the wrong one?”

Back at Claire’s penthouse, Alex stood in front of her door. He knocked on the door. A moment later, Claire opened it, her eyes locking onto his. They stood in silence for a beat before Alex broke it.

“So…can I come in?”

She cleared her throat and nodded. “Of course.” Claire stepped aside to let him enter.

She closed the door behind him and turned, offering a polite thank you for coming.

Alex gave a slight nod. “I'm glad you agreed to meet and discuss what's been going on,” he said.

Claire led the way to the living room, her sandals shuffling softly on the polished floor. “Please, have a seat,” she said, gesturing to a plush sofa. They sat down just as a maid entered the room, offering them drinks.

Claire glanced at Alex. “What would you like?” she asked.

“Tea, please,” Alex replied, and Claire echoed his choice to the maid. “Two teas, please. Thank you.”

“I will bring it right away, miss.” The maid disappeared into the kitchen.