New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex) novel Chapter 500

The room was thick with silence as Claire watched Andre disappear through the hotel exit. Alexander stood beside her, his expression dark with disbelief. He couldn't wrap his head around what had just happened.

"You let him go?" His voice was low, but the sharp edge of frustration was unmistakable.

Claire didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she turned on her heel, ready to walk away. She didn’t have the patience for another argument with Alexander, not now.

But before she could take another step, his hand shot out, gripping her wrist firmly.

"Claire," he said, his voice quieter this time, but no less intense. "You need to tell me why."

Claire froze. Slowly, she turned back to face him, her eyes burning with unspoken irritation. "I don’t need to tell you anything," she said, her tone cold. "It’s my right to make that decision."

Alexander’s jaw clenched. His grip tightened just enough for Claire to almost wince, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of showing weakness.

"You have to tell me," Alexander pressed, his voice dropping to a low, almost dangerous level. "I deserve to know." His eyes were hard, unwavering. "Because of your mess, my hotel got dragged into this. I think that entitles me to some damn answers."

Claire gritted her teeth, resisting the urge to snap back. As much as she hated to admit it, Alexander was right. If it weren’t for her enemies, his hotel wouldn’t have been affected at all.

She exhaled sharply. "Fine," she muttered. "I’ll tell you."

Alexander raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting her to cave that easily.

"But not here," Claire added, her eyes scanning the room. She gestured toward his men. "Get them out."

Alexander didn't hesitate. With a slight nod, he dismissed them. Once they were alone, he crossed his arms, his stance rigid. "Talk."

Claire took a deep breath before finally speaking.

"I’m being targeted by a man named Eligos."

Alexander’s expression darkened instantly.

"I don’t know his face," she continued, keeping her voice steady. "I’ve never seen him. I have no idea why he’s after me. But what I do know is that he’s dangerous."

Alexander remained silent, his piercing gaze never leaving her face.

"Recently, I found out that he hired Andre," Claire went on. "He’s using him like a puppet to ruin my life, but I have no clue why. And I don’t know why Andre is even going along with it."

Alexander frowned, processing her words. His fingers tapped against his arm, his mind already piecing things together.

"So this Eligos," he said slowly. "He’s been after you for a long time?"

Claire nodded. "For months.”

"And you still don’t know why?"

"No," she admitted, frustration creeping into her voice. "That’s what I’m trying to figure out."

Alexander exhaled, running a hand through his hair. His patience was wearing thin. "Has he ever hurt you?"

Silence.

That was all the answer Alexander needed.

His fists clenched. "Claire—"

"It doesn’t matter," she interrupted, shaking her head. "What matters now is finding out why he’s doing this."

Alexander took a slow, steady breath, trying to contain the anger bubbling inside him. Claire was always like this—always taking on everything alone, always refusing to let anyone in.

"Look," he said, his voice calmer but no less serious. "If you need help—"

"I don’t."

Alexander narrowed his eyes. "Claire."

She pursed her lips, knowing he wouldn’t let this go.

"I don’t need help," she repeated. "But—" she hesitated, knowing it was better to let him think he had some control over the situation. "If I do... I’ll let you know."

It was a lie, and they both knew it.

But Alexander let out a sigh, rubbing his temple. "Fine."

Claire nodded, taking it as her cue to leave. Without another word, she turned and walked out, her heels clicking against the marble floor.

As soon as the door shut behind her, Christian entered the room.

"Well?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe. "How was the talk?"

Alexander exhaled sharply. "More complicated than ever."