New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex) novel Chapter 257

Claire’s frown deepened. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

Talia leaned in closer, lowering her voice even more. “One of our models just called in sick, and we’re desperate. We need someone to fill in.”

Claire raised an eyebrow, still not understanding what Talia was getting at. “Okay, so you need a model. How can I help?”

Talia took another deep breath, looking Claire straight in the eyes. “I want you to replace her.”

For a moment, there was silence. Then Claire’s eyes widened in shock, and she stared at Talia as if she had grown another head. “Are you crazy?” Claire exclaimed, her voice rising. “I’m not a model, Talia. I’m a CEO. I run a company, remember?”

Adrian, who had been quietly sipping his drink beside Claire, chuckled softly, earning a sharp look from Claire. He shrugged, trying to keep a straight face. “Talia has a point, Claire. The show is starting in a few minutes, and she doesn’t have a lot of options. You’re already here, and you look fantastic. I’m sure you’ll do amazing.”

Claire turned her glare from Talia to Adrian, crossing her arms over her chest. “I can’t believe you’re siding with her,” she said, exasperated. “You know I don’t do this kind of thing.”

Adrian just smiled, giving her a reassuring nod. “Come on, Claire. It’ll be fun. Besides, you always say you’re up for a challenge. Consider this your challenge for the night.”

Claire sighed, feeling the weight of both their stares on her. She could see the pleading look in Talia’s eyes, and despite her own reservations, she knew she couldn’t let her friend down. “Fine,” she said at last, rolling her eyes. “I’ll do it. But you both owe me for this.”

Talia’s face broke into a wide grin, and she clapped her hands in excitement. “Yes! Thank you, Claire! You’re a lifesaver!” She wasted no time, grabbing Claire’s arm and practically dragging her out of her seat. “Come on, we don’t have much time! We need to get you backstage.”

Claire stumbled after Talia, shooting a helpless look over her shoulder at Adrian, who waved cheerfully as she disappeared into the chaos of backstage. Once there, Claire was met with a flurry of activity. Hairdressers and makeup artists swooped in, their hands moving quickly as they stripped away Claire’s everyday look and replaced it with something more glamorous, more fitting for the runway.

“Hold still,” one of the makeup artists murmured, expertly applying a bold shade of lipstick to Claire’s lips. Claire did her best to remain calm, though her heart was pounding. This wasn’t her world—she was used to boardrooms and business deals, not catwalks and couture.

Talia hovered nearby, checking the time on her watch every few seconds. “Ten minutes,” she called out, glancing at Claire. “How’s it going?”

“We’re almost done,” the hairdresser replied, pinning the last few strands of Claire’s hair into place. “Just a few more touches.”

Claire caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and barely recognized the woman staring back at her. Her hair was styled in soft waves, her makeup flawless, and her outfit—well, she hadn’t seen the outfit yet, but she could only imagine what Talia had in mind.

“There,” the makeup artist said, stepping back to admire her work. “You look perfect.”

Talia nodded approvingly, then hurried over to a nearby rack of clothes. She pulled out a stunning emerald green dress, the fabric shimmering under the bright lights. “Here, put this on,” she said, handing the dress to Claire.

Claire took the dress, running her fingers over the silky material. “Are you sure about this, Talia?” she asked, still feeling a bit unsure. “I mean, what if I trip or fall?”