New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex) novel Chapter 509

“I know your plan, Gretta,” Claire said smoothly, her voice laced with quiet menace.

Gretta’s lips parted slightly, but she quickly masked her surprise, setting her glass down with controlled ease. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Claire chuckled softly, stepping closer. “Oh, don’t insult my intelligence. I know exactly what you’ve been up to. You’re trying to free Lisa. You want her to do your dirty work while you keep your hands clean.”

Gretta’s heartbeat quickened, but she forced herself to maintain her composed demeanor. “That’s ridiculous,” she scoffed. “Lisa is mentally unstable. Everyone knows that.”

Claire’s smile widened as she shook her head. “Oh, Gretta. Your lies reek from miles away.”

The older woman stiffened, her nails digging into her palm.

“You were the one who told Lisa to act crazy,” Claire continued. “All so she wouldn’t end up in prison for what she did. But Lisa was never insane, was she?”

Gretta said nothing.

Claire took another slow step forward, her piercing gaze never leaving Gretta’s face. “You manipulated everyone. You made Lisa put on an act, all so she could escape real punishment. You used her, and now you want to set her loose again. But I won’t let that happen.”

Gretta clenched her jaw, her breath unsteady. Claire’s words struck like daggers, each one cutting deep because they were true.

But she wouldn’t let Claire see her crumble.

“You have no proof,” Gretta finally said, lifting her chin defiantly. “It’s all speculation.”

Claire smirked. “Oh, you’re so predictable.”

She folded her arms, her expression turning ice-cold. “I know you’re lying, Gretta. And do you want to know how I know?”

Gretta remained silent.

Claire leaned in slightly, her voice lowering into something far more dangerous.

“Because I’ve done my homework.”

At that moment, Gretta felt the floor beneath her metaphorically crack.

Claire continued, her voice filled with mockery. “You claim you did all of this for justice, but we both know that’s a lie.” She tilted her head. “Admit it. This isn’t about justice. It’s about revenge. You think I ruined your life. You think I destroyed your family.”

Gretta’s hands curled into fists. “You did ruin my family,” she spat.

Claire let out a laugh—an amused, delighted sound that sent chills down Gretta’s spine.

“Oh, Gretta,” Claire mused darkly, her expression turning deadly. “The only person who destroyed a family is you.”

Gretta gritted her teeth. “You—”

Claire snapped her fingers.

Almost instantly, several police officers emerged from their hiding spots within the penthouse. They moved swiftly, guns drawn, their expressions unreadable but firm.

Gretta’s eyes widened in pure shock.

Her head snapped back to Claire. “What is this?” she demanded, her voice rising in panic.

Claire simply smirked. “A little gift from me,” she said mockingly. “For being such a manipulative and cheeky aunt.”

The lead officer stepped forward, gripping Gretta’s arm. “Gretta Robertson, you are under arrest.”

Gretta’s mind raced. This wasn’t happening.

“No!” she shrieked, thrashing against their hold. “Let me go! You can’t do this to me!”

Claire merely watched, arms crossed, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes.

“Take her away,” Claire ordered smoothly.

The officers didn’t hesitate.

“CLAIRE!” Gretta bellowed as they dragged her toward the door. “YOU’LL REGRET THIS! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU’VE JUST DONE!”

Claire simply waved lazily. “Goodbye, Gretta.”

The penthouse doors swung shut behind them, the air suddenly much quieter without Gretta’s wails echoing off the walls.

Claire exhaled, taking a moment to enjoy the silence.

Another enemy down.

A month had passed since the investigation concluded, and today marked the final chapter in the long, grueling battle against Robert and Gretta.

Claire sat in the courtroom, her posture poised yet relaxed, her expression unreadable. The grand room was filled with whispers as people waited for the trial to begin. She felt the weight of the moment but took comfort in the presence of her closest allies.

Matthew sat beside her, his usual calm demeanor unwavering. Alexander and Christian occupied the row behind them, both men watching the proceedings with unreadable expressions. Across the room, Adrian Saint Laurent sat with his family, his gaze lingering on Claire, as if silently reassuring her that he was there. Beside him, Talia gave Claire a small, encouraging nod.

Claire appreciated their presence. She hadn’t expected Alexander to attend, but for once, she let it slide.

Just this once.

The trial stretched on for hours.

The prosecution laid out every piece of damning evidence—the corruption, the embezzlement, the manipulation, and worst of all, the orchestrated deaths of the Peterson family. Video footage, financial records, and witness testimonies painted an airtight case. Claire watched as Robert and Gretta squirmed in their seats, their once-confident expressions gradually shifting to fear.

The defense tried to fight back, but it was futile.

Eventually, after long deliberations, the judge announced the verdict.

Robert Peterson—40 years in prison. Gretta Robertson—25 years.

The courtroom fell into a heavy silence.

Claire exhaled slowly. It’s over.