New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex) novel Chapter 484

The afternoon sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the city as Claire left her office, her mind a storm of thoughts. The conversation with Alexander, the looming hotel opening in Las Vegas, the jewelry exhibition, and the ever-present threat of Eligos all swirled around her.

Each concern felt like a thread pulling her in different directions, and yet, Claire knew she couldn't afford to let any of them unravel.

As she made her way to her car, Claire’s phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from Adrian.

Adrian: “Hey, just checking in. How’s your day going?”

Claire allowed herself a small smile. Adrian’s texts were always a brief respite from the chaos. She quickly typed back.

Claire: “Busy, as usual. Work, work, and work. You?”

The response came almost immediately.

Adrian: “Same here. I got a load of paperwork to sign and read but I don’t have the energy to do it. Anyway, I thought about grabbing dinner together tonight? If that’s okay with you.”

Claire hesitated, her fingers hovering over the screen. The idea was tempting, a chance to unwind and escape the constant pressures, but she wasn’t sure she could relax just yet. Still, the thought of seeing Adrian and spending time with him was more appealing than anything else she had planned.

Claire: “That sounds perfect. Let’s do it. I will see you soon.”

She hit send and slid into the driver’s seat, her mind briefly shifting to the pleasant thought of dinner with Adrian. But as she drove towards the hospital to check on Matthew, the weight of her responsibilities settled back onto her shoulders. There were still too many unanswered questions, too many loose ends.

At the hospital, Matthew was sitting up in bed, flipping through a magazine, though his eyes weren’t really focused on the pages. When Claire entered, he looked up, his face lighting up with a smile.

"Claire, hey," he greeted, setting the magazine aside. "You look like you've had a day."

Claire chuckled softly, taking a seat next to his bed. "That's an understatement."

Matthew studied her for a moment. "Something on your mind? You look... tense."

Claire leaned back, crossing her arms. "I just got off the phone with Alexander. He reminded me about the Harris Hotel opening in Las Vegas."

Matthew raised an eyebrow. "That’s coming up soon, isn’t it?"

"Two weeks," Claire confirmed. "And then there’s this jewelry exhibition I’ve been invited to this weekend. On top of that, Eligos is still out there, and I can't shake the feeling that he's planning something."

Matthew nodded thoughtfully. "And Andre? Have you made any progress with him?"

Claire sighed. "Not as much as I’d like. He’s not exactly forthcoming with information, and every time I think I’m getting somewhere, it feels like I hit a wall."

Matthew leaned forward slightly. "You know, Claire, you don’t have to handle all of this alone. You’ve got me, Adrian, even Alexander, that if you wanted his help.”

Claire crossed her arms over her chest and rolled her eyes. “I will never ask Alexander for his help unless…wait, I take that back. I will never ask for his help no matter what is the circumstances.”

Matthew lightly chuckled. “Seems like your hatred runs deep into your veins.”

Claire gave him a small smile, appreciating the sentiment. "I know, but sometimes it feels like I’m the only one who can untangle this mess."

"Maybe," Matthew admitted. "But don’t forget that even the strongest need a little help now and then."