New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex) novel Chapter 176

Claire fell to the ground as the paparazzi pushed forward, their cameras flashing incessantly. She winced in pain from the impact.

Adrian, who was beside her, shouted firmly at them, “Back off! Give her some space!”

Two security guards from the restaurant quickly intervened, helping to create a barrier between Claire, Adrian, and the aggressive photographers. They managed to push the paparazzi back, giving Adrian the chance to kneel beside Claire.

“Claire, are you okay?” Adrian asked, concern etched on his face.

Claire nodded. “I’m fine. Let’s just get out of here.”

Claire tried to stand but stumbled, clearly in pain. Adrian didn't waste any time. He picked her up bridal style and carried her to her car. The driver, sensing the urgency, swiftly opened the door for them. Once they were both inside, the driver quickly drove away from the chaotic scene.

Adrian looked at Claire, his worry deepening. “Are you hurt?”

Claire shook her head, trying to downplay the situation. “I'm fine, Adrian. Just a little shaken.”

But when Adrian gently touched her foot, Claire winced in pain, unable to hide it.

“Claire, you sprained your ankle,” Adrian said, his tone serious. “You need to go to the hospital and get it checked out.”

Claire shook her head again, more firmly this time. “No, I don't want to go to the hospital. I'm fine. I just need to rest, put some ice on it, and it'll be back to normal by tomorrow.”

Adrian frowned, clearly not convinced. “Claire, you can't just ignore this. What if it's more serious than you think? You need proper medical attention.”

Claire met his gaze with a determined look. “Adrian, I know my body. It's just a sprain. Hospitals are a hassle, and I really don't want to deal with it right now.”

Adrian sighed, clearly frustrated but trying to stay calm. “Claire, I'm worried about you. What if it's more serious than it looks? We should at least get it checked out.”

Claire shook her head again. “I've had sprains before, Adrian. I know how to handle it. Please, just trust me on this.”

“You need to go to the hospital and get it treated. It can get worse if you don't.”

Claire frowned, her voice firm as she replied, “I don't want to, Adrian.”

But Adrian didn't seem to hear her. He turned to the driver and said, “Take us to the hospital.”

Claire quickly interjected, “No, just head home.”

Adrian repeated, “Hospital, now.”

“No, take me back to my penthouse. I’m your boss.”

The driver glanced nervously between them, unsure whom to follow.

Adrian then turned back to Claire, his expression serious. “If you don't go to the hospital, Claire, I will start asking about your past.”

Claire's frown deepened, and she crossed her arms over her chest. “You wouldn't dare.”

Adrian's expression softened into a cheeky smile. “Oh, I dare.”

Claire sighed and leaned her head back against the seat. “Fine,” she muttered. “Let's go to the hospital.”

The driver, relieved to have a clear direction, started heading towards the hospital. The car ride was tense, with silence hanging heavily between them.

After a few minutes, Claire broke the silence. “You know, Adrian, I didn’t know you can be really stubborn.”

“Oh my gosh, how graceful Claire is,” Lisa said sarcastically, still laughing. “She always has to make an entrance, doesn’t she?”

Gretta giggled. “Absolutely. And speaking of Claire, have you heard the latest news about her?”

Lisa pretended to be clueless. “No, what is it?”

“Well, rumor has it that Claire got married to Alex in secret,” Gretta said, her voice dripping with satisfaction.

Lisa gasped dramatically, even though she was the one who leaked the information in the first place. “No way! I can’t believe she kept that a secret”

“I know right! People in London are in a buzz right now and probably not just London but whole world.”

“That is so embarrassing for Claire. If I were here, I wouldn’t show my face in public anymore.” Said Lisa.

Gretta nodded agreeing with her. “My thoughts exactly.”

A maid entered the living room and announced, “Mrs. Robertson, the car is ready.”

The maid left the room, and Gretta turned her attention back to Lisa. “I will call you back later, Lisa. We have so much more to discuss.”

“Of course, Gretta. Talk to you soon.” Lisa replied, still amused.

Gretta ended the call as she put down her cup of tea and stood up. She walked towards the front door with a bright smile on her face. The maids around the house exchanged curious glances, wondering what had put Gretta in such a good mood.

As Gretta stepped inside the car, she put on her shades and pulled out her phone. She eagerly scrolled through social media to see people's reactions to Claire’s fall. Comments and memes flooded her feed, all mocking Claire’s mishap.

“Is this the downfall of Claire Peterson?” she muttered in satisfaction, her smile widening as she read the posts.