New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex) novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40 The confrontation 

“Gretta, you don’t look happy seeing me here. 

“N–no, I was just surprised. I wasn’t expecting to see you.” Gretta chuckled awkwardly as she set her magazine down. 

Robert quickly made his way to where Claire stood at the backyard entrance. “Claire, it’s been a while,” a hint of formality in his tone. 

Claire’s smirk was barely concealed as she basked in their surprised reactions. “Indeed, it has,” she replied smoothly, taking a moment to soak in the atmosphere of the backyard. 

“The last time I was here, I don’t remember this furniture and statue Gretta, did you have it redecorate?” 

“Um…well, you know me, I like to make everything perfect.” 

Robert, growing impatient, interjected. “So, Claire, what brings you here today?” 

Claire raised an eyebrow, her gaze looking onto Robert’s. “We need to talk,” she stated firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. 

Robert glanced at Gretta before calling for the maid to bring their son, Mick, inside. Claire took a seat on the couch in the backyard without waiting for an invitation, her posture exuding confidence. 

Gretta and Robert shared a look, Robert’s eyes conveying a message to Gretta to keep calm and not escalate the situation. Claire observed their silent communication with a keen eye. 

“Please have a seat. Don’t be shy this is your house anyway,” Claire invited Robert and Gretta to sit. 

Lisa, observing the tension, crossed her legs and fixed her gaze on each of them in turn. Her eyes were sharp, like a snake assessing its 

prey. 

Breaking the silence, Robert addressed Claire. “What is it that you need to talk about?” 

Claire leaned back on the couch, a contemplative expression on her face. “The house,” she began cryptically. 

Robert and Gretta exchanged puzzled glances. “What about the house?” Robert inquired, his tone guarded. Claire’s gaze sharpened as she continued. “I mean my parents‘ house. Did you sell it?” 

A tense silence hung in the air as Robert and Gretta froze, their expressions betraying a mix of surprise and unease. 

Robert cleared his throat, trying 

trying to maintain composure. 

“What do you mean by that, Claire?” 

Claire raised her eyebrows, her patience wearing thin. “I met the Jenkins,” she stated plainly. “They are the current owners of the house that once belonged to my parents. Does that ring a bell to either of you?” 

Gretta shifted uncomfortably in her seat, glancing at Robert for guidance. Robert’s jaw tightened as he processed Claire’s words, realizing the gravity of the situation. 

“I–I don’t understand.” 

Claire’s expression remained unreadable as she absorbed their reactions. “Interesting,” she murmured, her mind already piecing together the puzzle. “I think it’s time we had a more in–depth conversation about this.” 

In a tense atmosphere, Claire faced Robert and Gretta, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. 

“Someone told me about the house,” Claire began, her voice cold and hard, “and I’m not leaving until I get the truth.” 

Robert sighed heavily. “Fine, Claire,” he relented, “I sold the house.” 

H 

Claire’s eyes narrowed, her anger simmering beneath the surface, “Why?” she demanded, her tone sharp and accusatory. 

Robert struggled to find the right words. “We didn’t know what to do with it, Claire. You disappeared, and your parents…. 

Claire’s voice cut through his explanation, her eyes burning with intensity. “You sold my parents‘ house without my consent, Robert. That’s not acceptable. And to sell it at such a cheap price!” 

Robert clenched his fists, trying to control his rising anger. “We needed to move on, Claire. It wasn’t about the money.” 

Gretta, who had been silent until now, interjected nervously. “Claire, we thought that you were dead along with your parents and we don’t want to be sad all the time. So, we decided to sell the house and thing that remind us of you and your parents especially when you are so nice to us.” 

Claire’s frown deepened at Gretta’s reasoning. “That’s no excuse,” my family, Gretta, what about my mother’s jewelry?” 

She retorted sharply. “And speaking of things that remind you of 

Gretta froze, her eyes widening in surprise. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. 

Claire’s smirk was both knowing and triumphant. “I thought so.” 

Robert attempted to defend himself, his tone defensive. “I don’t know anything about the jewelry, Claire. I swear.” 

Gretta turned to her husband, her expression a mix of disbelief. 

Claire’s gaze shifted between them, her mind calculating her next move. “To make things fair,” she began, her voice measured, “how about you give me the Robertson Mansion after all it only makes sense since you two sold my parents‘ house?” a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes. 

Gretta’s eyes widened in alarm, and she leaned forward, almost pleading “Claire, please… We’ll do anything, but don’t take the house. This house means a lot to us.” 

Claire merely raised an eyebrow, her attention momentarily diverted to her impeccably polished nails. She enjoyed the power play, knowing she had the upper hand in this delicate negotiation. 

Robert looked at his wife incredulously, surprised by her reaction. 

Claire raised a single brow, her expression unreadable. “Alright, I won’t take the house,” she conceded, causing Gretta to visibly relax. But Claire wasn’t finished. After a brief pau 

pause, she continued, “But I want my mother’s jewelry back.” 

Gretta’s eyes widened in panic. “Claire d-” 

Gretta words cut of short by Robert as he immediately made the deal 

“Agree, we agree. We will give you back your mother jewelry but don’t take the house.” 

Claire’s smirk turned mischievous. “Well, then I suppose we have a deal.‘ 

Gretta’s expression fell, realizing she had little choice in the matter. “Fine,” she relented reluctantly. 

After a brief moment of hesitation, Gretta nodded and left the room, returning clutching the precious jewelry in her hands. 

Robert gestured for her to approach Claire. “Hand them over, Gretta.” he instructed. 

Claire stood up gracefully, her hands open to receive the jewelry. There was a heaviness in the air as Gretta reluctantly placed the jewelry in Claire’s palms, her heart torn between resentment and resignation. 

“Thank you,” Claire said, though her tone lacked warmth. 

As Claire made her way to the front door, her shades back on, she turned to the couple with a final warning 

“Just a little reminder that any foolish actions, and I won’t hesitate to teach you a lesson.” Her smile was sharp, her words a thinly veiled threat. 

With that, Claire left the Robertson Mansion, leaving behind a sense of unease and tension in her wake. 

Claire settled into the plush seat of her car, a contented smile gracing her lips as the driver steered away from Robertson mansion. 

In her hands, she held a jewelry box with a gentle click, Claire opened the box, revealing a stunning necklace. 

“It’s finally back, mum.” Claire muttered to herself as she admire the necklace. 

“Driver, can we make a stop at the jewelry shop?” Claire requested politely, catching the driver’s attention through the rearview 

mirror. 

“Of course, 

ma’am. Right away,” the driver replied with a nod 

Back at the Robertson mansion, Robert and Gretta were left to consider what might happen if they happened to do something foolish in Claire’s presence.