New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex) novel Chapter 347

They spent the next stretch of the flight chatting about the timeline, laughing over some of the absurd twists and turns in the drama.

Claire filled Adrian in on the major events, from Alexander’s public meltdown to the press releases that had sparked it all, and how Claudia had seen her chance to strike. Adrian listened intently, nodding along, occasionally throwing in a sarcastic remark that had Claire rolling her eyes.

The flight was short, and before they knew it, the pilot’s voice crackled over the intercom, announcing their descent into Paris.

“Already?” Adrian asked, glancing at his watch.

“Time flies when you’re plotting someone’s downfall,” Claire quipped, shutting her laptop and standing up. She straightened her jacket and made her way to the front of the plane. As she reached the door, she turned and smiled at the pilot. “Thanks for the smooth ride. Excellent service, as always.”

The pilot smiled back, giving her a polite nod. “Our pleasure, Ms. Peterson.”

Claire thanked the air stewardess too before stepping onto the stairway, the crisp Parisian air greeting her. Adrian followed close behind, pulling his jacket tighter around him.

“Always feels different landing here,” Adrian commented as they descended the stairs.

“Yeah, it’s got that charm,” Claire agreed, spotting the sleek black car waiting for them at the bottom. The driver stood by the car, nodding at Claire as she approached. Without hesitation, they climbed into the backseat, the leather interior cool and smooth.

Once inside, Claire took out her phone and dialed Matthew. He picked up almost immediately, his tone casual.

“What’s up, Claire?”

“I need Claudia’s location,” Claire said, her tone brisk.

“On it,” Matthew replied. She could hear the familiar sounds of him typing away, rapid clicks filling the line.

After a minute or so, Matthew’s voice returned. “Got her. She’s at her office. Sending the address now.”

Claire’s phone buzzed with the incoming message, and she glanced at the screen before looking up at the driver. Switching to flawless French, she gave him the address. “Nous allons à cette adresse, s'il vous plaît.” (we are going to this address, please.)

The driver nodded and the car smoothly pulled away from the tarmac. Adrian, amused, turned to her with a grin. “You really have thought of everything, haven’t you?”

Claire laughed, shaking her head. “Nope, not this time. This was pretty last-minute, actually. I mean, I had some ideas, but nothing solid. When you have someone you trust, though, someone reliable, everything just sort of falls into place.”

Adrian leaned back, his smile widening. “Matthew, right?”

Claire pretended to be shocked, her hand flying dramatically to her chest. “How did you know?”

Adrian chuckled. “Just a wild guess. I mean, the guy is practically your secret weapon.”

Claire grinned, shrugging. “Can’t argue with that. He’s got a way of making things happen.”