New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex) novel Chapter 499

Claire didn’t let go of Andre as she dragged him down a deserted hallway, away from the remaining guests and journalists. Her grip was firm—unrelenting.

Andre struggled, his breath uneven. “Claire, listen, I—”

“Shut up,” Claire snapped, her eyes burning with fury. “I don’t want to hear a single word until we’re somewhere privatewhere no one else can hear you.”

Andre swallowed hard, realizing there was no talking his way out of this—at least, not yet.

Alexander caught up with them, his long strides purposeful. His expression was unreadable, but his sharp eyes flicked between Claire and Andre.

“This is him?” Alexander asked, his voice low but deadly.

Claire nodded stiffly. “This is Andre. The one responsible for ruining your opening night.”

Alexander exhaled sharply, studying the man before him. “I want answers, now.”

Andre forced a laugh, but it sounded weak. “Hey, man, I—uh—sorry about that. Just a little too much to drink, you know how it is—”

Claire tightened her grip, making him wince. “You think I’m an idiot?” she seethed. “I know you weren’t drunk. You pretended to be. You wanted to make a scene.”

Andre avoided her piercing gaze, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Claire, you’re making a big deal out of nothing.”

Alexander took a step closer, his presence intimidating. “Nothing?” His tone was icy. “You ruined an event I spent millions on. You set a fire in my hotel. You embarrassed us in front of investors and the press. You think this is nothing?”

Andre let out a nervous chuckle. “Hey, man, listen—”

“No, you listen,” Claire interrupted. “I don’t care about your excuses. I know you didn’t do this on your own.”

Alexander’s eyes darkened. “Who put you up to this?”

Andre hesitated, shifting uncomfortably under their intense gazes.

“Claire…” His voice was barely above a whisper. “You really don’t want to know.”

Claire’s patience snapped. She shoved him against the wall with a force that surprised even Alexander.

Andre let out a startled gasp.

“Tell me the truth, Andre!” Claire’s voice was filled with frustration.

Remembering that Andre also has the power here and not only Claire, Andre straightens up his back and glares back to Claire. “No one, Claire. I am alone in this besides it’s a part of my revenge on you.”

Claire scoffed sarcastically. “Revenge? Do you think you can easily fool me? Getting inside here without someone’s help would be impossible. And you boldly admit that you work alone?” she couldn’t help but clap her hands while laughing wickedly.

“The only thing you are fooling is yourself.” She seethed to him.

Andre clenched his fist in anger. “I told you the truth. I had too much drink and I lost my balance. Not to mention there were lots of people out there and someone pushed me. So, it wasn’t my fault completely.”

Alexander chimed in. “How can you so boldly claim that it wasn’t your fault? I don’t know who you are or what’s your deal with Claire but you coming here ruined my opening night.”

Andre turned to Alexander and threw him a glare. “You should stay out of this. It is none of your business.”

Alexander couldn’t believe his ears hearing a nobody said that to him. “Watch who you are talking to.” He pointed his finger at Andre while shooting him a deadly glare.

“Was it him?” in the midst of the heavy tension, Claire asked. “I said was it him?”

Andre’s silence spoke volumes. However, Andre couldn’t let them know that all of this were Eligos scheme.

“As I said, no one. I am alone.”

“I don’t believe you. The only one who has that brain and power-“

Claire’s words were cut short by Alexander as he turned to Claire with a confused look mixed with frowning. “What are you two talking about? And who is this “him”?” Claire ignores him as she keeps her focus on Andre.