New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex) novel Chapter 362

Robert Robertson’s blood ran cold as he heard Eligos say those words, but he forced himself to keep his face steady. No way was he going to let Eligos see just how scared he was. His jaw clenched, and his fists balled at his sides as rage bubbled beneath the surface. His whole body felt like it was vibrating with anger.

“This isn’t a joke, Eligos!” Robert’s voice was strained, frustration clear in every word. “What the hell is going on here?”

Eligos, lounging in his chair, just laughed. It was a low, mocking sound like he found Robert’s outburst hilarious. “Calm down,” Eligos said, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I’m only joking.”

Robert’s face twisted, clearly unimpressed. He glared at Eligos, his patience rapidly wearing thin. “I’m tired of your stupid games. Get serious for once, will you?”

Eligos’s amusement faded in an instant. His expression went ice-cold as he leaned forward, placing both hands flat on the table between them. His eyes narrowed dangerously, and when he spoke, his voice was low and chilling, the kind that sent a shiver racing down Robert’s spine.

“You need to understand something, Robert. This is how I work. If you don’t like it, you’re free to walk away.” He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before adding, “But don’t ever talk to me like that again.”

Robert froze, his bravado evaporating. Slowly, he retracted his hands from the table and swallowed the lump forming in his throat. He looked down, avoiding Eligos’s piercing gaze. “I just want the job done,” Robert mumbled, voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve waited long enough.”

Eligos leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. He looked at Robert with an unsettling calm, like a predator playing with its prey. “Tell me something, Robert,” Eligos said casually. “Are you afraid of me?”

Robert’s lips parted, but no sound came out at first. Then, quietly, he muttered, “No.”

“Then why aren’t you looking at me?” Eligos tilted his head, daring Robert to meet his gaze.

With a shaky breath, Robert lifted his eyes slowly to meet Eligos’s. The man’s stare was unwavering, intense. After a tense few seconds, Eligos stood up from his chair, never breaking eye contact. He loomed over Robert, his presence heavy and suffocating. “I’ll get the job done,” Eligos said, his tone now a promise. “Especially when it comes to the person who ruined my family.”

Robert blinked, feeling his heart skip a beat. His voice wavered as he asked, “What’s the plan?”

Eligos smiled, but there was no warmth in it. He began pacing slowly, his hands clasped behind his back. “I’m thinking... a surprise attack. Catch Claire Peterson off guard. That’s the only way to take someone like her down.”

Robert furrowed his brow, trying to piece together what Eligos was saying. “A surprise attack? How?”

Eligos stopped pacing, a mischievous smirk creeping onto his face. He moved to Robert’s side and casually placed an arm on his shoulder. “Confusion, my dear Robert. We make her confused.”

Robert frowned, the confusion now his own. “What do you mean by ‘confused’?”

Eligos chuckled darkly, patting Robert’s shoulder like a mentor about to share his grand wisdom. “Led her to capture the wrong person. Not once or twice but maybe countless times.”

Robert’s frown deepened. “And then what?”

Eligos’s grin widened. He was clearly enjoying this. “Then, we let her chase after them, thinking she’s got the upper hand. She’ll be running around, trying to find out who is the person she is running after, getting more and more tired, more and more frustrated. Eventually, she’ll give up or make a mistake.” He paused, savoring the next part. “That’s when we strike. That’s when I surprise her.”

Robert swallowed hard, his skin prickling with unease. “You think she’ll just... give up?”

“She’ll have no choice,” Eligos replied smoothly, walking back to his chair and sitting down again. “And when she’s on the edge of breaking, that’s when I’ll be there to push her over.”

Robert shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his mind racing. He knew Claire was smart, maybe even smarter than Eligos gave her credit for. But he also knew that this man, sitting across from him, was dangerous, and unpredictable. The thought of crossing him wasn’t even an option.