New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex) novel Chapter 493

The night of the grand opening of the Harris Hotel in Las Vegas had finally arrived. Claire stood in front of the mirror in her hotel suite, adjusting the earrings she had purchased at the jewelry exhibition.

The diamonds caught the light, sparkling against the soft glow of the room. Her black dress draped elegantly over her frame, the slit on the right revealing a hint of her toned leg. She looked poised and sophisticated, every inch the powerful businesswoman she had built herself to be. Yet, despite her flawless appearance, there was a hollow feeling in her chest.

Matthew, Adrian, and Talia weren’t with her. She had declined their offers to accompany her, not wanting to burden them, even though their presence would have made her feel more at ease. Instead, she had brought Sandra, her ever-reliable secretary, who was currently making last-minute preparations for the event.

Her phone vibrated on the dressing table. It was Matthew. A small smile tugged at her lips as she picked it up.

Matthew: How’s everything going there?

Claire leaned back against the vanity, quickly typing a response.

Claire: Everything is fine. I’m managing well.

A second later, another message popped up.

Matthew: Are you sure you don’t need help?

Claire rolled her eyes. It was typical of Matthew to worry over her like this. She smirked and sent her response.

Claire: If you ask me that again one more time, I’ll block you from my contacts.

Seconds later, a sticker of a cartoon character pouting with the words "Sorry :(" appeared on her screen. Claire chuckled, shaking her head at his antics.

The makeup artist, who was cleaning up her brushes and palettes, caught Claire’s small smile through the mirror.

“Texting your boyfriend?” the woman teased, winking at her.

Claire’s expression immediately turned neutral as she shook her head. “No, just a friend.” Then, after a beat, she added, “My boyfriend is busy.”

As if on cue, her phone rang. Adrian.

A surprised expression flickered across her face before she quickly picked up. “Hey,” she greeted softly, standing up from her chair and moving toward the window for more privacy.

“Hey, sweetheart,” Adrian’s voice was warm and sweet. “How’s it going?”

Claire let out a small breath, her tension easing just a little at the sound of his voice. “It’s going fine.”

“Is Alex treating you well?”

She chuckled, shaking her head. “Why does everyone always ask that?”

“Because we know Alexander Harris,” Adrian responded dryly. “And we also know how much of an ass he can be.”

Claire smirked. “He’s being his usual self, but surprisingly, more calm than usual. I think he’s too focused on the opening to get on my nerves.”

Adrian hummed. “That’s a first.”

There was a short pause before he asked, “Are you okay? Have you noticed anything strange?”

Claire knew what he meant. He was worried about Eligos. About Andre. About everything that had been happening around her. But she didn’t want to let those concerns cloud tonight’s event.

“I’m fine,” she reassured him. “And no, nothing weird so far.”

Adrian exhaled as if trying to believe her. “Alright. But if anything feels off, you call me. I mean it.”

“I will.”

Another knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Sandra’s voice came from the other side. “Claire, it’s time to change.”

Claire sighed. “I have to go. It’s almost time.”

“Okay,” Adrian said. “But before you go… I miss you.”