New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex) novel Chapter 172

Claire looked at him, considering his suggestion. “A press conference?”

Alex nodded his head. “Yes. Press conference is a-”

Claire cut him off before he could finish. “I know what a press conference is,” she said, frowning.

Alex paused, puzzled. “Then why did you ask?”

Claire rolled her eyes. “I wasn't asking. I was just thinking out loud. And I don't think it's a good idea.”

Alex raised his eyebrows, intrigued. “Why do you think it's a bad idea?”

Claire opened her mouth, then closed it again, unable to find the right words.

Alex leaned forward slightly. “What is it then?”

Claire turned away, gazing out the large window of her penthouse. “I don't want to clarify it.”

Alex's expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. “You don't want people to know whether we're married or not.”

Claire nodded, and for some reason, hearing it aloud caused a pang of hurt inside Alex. He cleared his throat, clenching his fist on his thigh to steady himself. “If you want your company's stock market to stabilize, you have to agree to the press conference.”

Claire sighed, her shoulders slumping. “I know.”

Silence filled the room as they both processed the situation. Claire finally looked up at Alex. “If we decide to ignore all the gossip, will it affect our future projects?”

Alex considered her question. “It will affect them in some way, but not to the point of ruining us. Investors will probably question it before investing.”

Claire frowned, deep in thought. “I hate the idea of airing our personal lives in public. But I also don't want the company to suffer.”

Alex nodded in understanding. “It's a tough decision. But sometimes, we have to do things we don't like for the greater good.”

Claire sat back in her chair, a thoughtful look on her face. The upcoming press conference was weighing heavily on her mind.

She turned to Alex. “What do you think we should talk about if we hold a press conference?” she asked, her tone measured and cautious.

Alex didn’t hesitate. “We should obviously address the news about us,” he replied, leaning forward slightly as he spoke.

Claire shook her head slightly. “I don’t want to give too much detail,” she said, her voice firm. “I still prefer to keep everything private.”

Alex nodded in agreement. He understood her need for privacy. “I want the same thing,” he admitted.

Claire suggested, “Maybe we should discuss this more when your secretary, my secretary and Matthew are present so they can arrange it.”

Hearing Matthew's name, Alex’s curiosity got the better of him. His ears perked up and he couldn’t help but ask, “Why is Matthew always involved in anything related to you?”

Claire raised her brows at his question. “Why are you asking?” she replied, slightly puzzled by his sudden interest.

Alex picked up the cup of tea from the table and took a sip, trying to appear casual. “I’m just curious,” he said, his voice light but his eyes betraying his genuine curiosity.

Claire set her gaze firmly on Alex. “I trust Matthew completely,” she explained. “He needs to be involved in almost all my decisions.”