New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex) novel Chapter 498

Alexander’s jaw was clenched as he watched the security team close in on Andre, who was stumbling around, feigning drunkenness. He had no patience for this. The night was supposed to be a momentous occasion—the grand opening of his new hotel in Las Vegas. Instead, it had turned into a disaster.

His secretary whispered something into his ear, but Alexander barely registered it. His eyes were locked on Claire, who was walking toward Andre with purposeful strides. The way her hands curled into fists at her sides told him everything—she was furious.

The moment Claire reached Andre, she grabbed his collar and yanked him toward her. "You think this is funny?" she hissed, her voice low but sharp enough to make Andre wince.

"Whoa, easy there," Andre slurred, swaying on his feet. His eyes were bloodshot, but Claire wasn’t sure if it was from alcohol or just an act.

"Don't play dumb with me," she snapped, tightening her grip. "You ruined this night. Do you have any idea how hard we worked for this?"

Andre let out a lazy chuckle. "C’mon, sis, don’t be so dramatic. Accidents happen, right?"

Claire’s nostrils flared. "You think this was an accident?" she shot back. "You were told not to pull anything, yet here you are, making a scene and embarrassing me in front of everyone. What the hell is wrong with you?"

Andre’s fake drunken expression faltered for just a second, but it was enough for Claire to catch. She narrowed her eyes.

"You’re not drunk," she stated coldly.

Andre blinked. "Wha—"

"You're pretending," she continued, her voice lowering dangerously. "And I want to know why."

Before Andre could respond, Alexander placed a firm hand on Claire’s shoulder, gently pulling her back. "Let security handle this," he murmured.

Claire took a deep breath, trying to calm the raging storm inside her. But her glare stayed fixed on Andre.

Alexander motioned to his head of security. "Take him somewhere private. I want answers. Now."

The guards nodded and firmly grabbed Andre’s arms, dragging him away. Andre put up a weak struggle, still playing the drunk act. "Hey, hey! I didn’t do anything! I just had a little too much to drink!"

"Save it," Alexander said coolly. "We’ll talk when you’re sober."

As Andre was led away, Claire crossed her arms and turned to Alexander. "I want to be there when you question him."

Alexander studied her for a moment before nodding. "Fine. But after that, you're telling me everything about who this guy really is."

Claire exhaled heavily. "Fine."

Eligos leaned back in the leather seat of his car, his fingers lightly swirling the champagne in his glass. He watched the city lights blur past through the tinted window, a self-satisfied smirk curving his lips.

Tonight had been a masterpiece.

He replayed the moment in his head—Claire’s frustration, the destruction, the scandal that would soon spread across media platforms. He had given Andre one simple order: cause chaos. He had left it up to the idiot to decide how, and honestly, Andre had exceeded expectations.

Acting drunk? That was an amusing touch.

Eligos chuckled to himself as he checked his phone. He had already received a message from one of his inside sources.

"Security is looking for Andre. He’s trapped inside the venue."

Eligos smirked.

“Let’s see how he handles this mess on his own,” he mused. He had done his part. Andre was expendable—if he got caught, well, that was just another problem Claire would have to clean up.

For now, he was just going to sit back and enjoy the fallout.

Meanwhile back in the hotel, Andre’s heart was pounding against his ribcage. He needed to get out.

“Fuck Eligos. Ordering me around but not helping me with the aftermath.” He muttered to himself.

He had played his part well—pretending to be drunk, slurring his words, stumbling around like a fool. But now that the security had their eyes on him, things were taking a turn for the worse.

Two men in black suits approached him, their expressions serious.

“Mr. Harris wants to see you,” one of them said, reaching for Andre’s arm.

Andre jerked away, swaying slightly on his feet as he slurred, “Whaaat? I—I don’t even know a Harris, man...” He hiccupped for effect. “I’m just here for the booze…”

The guards exchanged looks. One of them, clearly unimpressed, muttered, “We don’t have time for this.”

The second guard grabbed Andre’s arm forcefully.

Panic surged through him.

“I—I swear, I didn’t do nothin’!” Andre protested, stumbling forward as they began escorting him toward the private lounge. “C’mon, man, lemme go! I—I’m a paying guest!”