New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex) novel Chapter 200

Claire sat at her desk, staring into the camera for the online meeting with the shareholders of Metacortex. She could see their faces arranged in a grid on her screen, all waiting for answers. The tension was palpable, especially after yesterday's incident.

One of the shareholders, Mr. Montgomery, spoke up first. “Claire, about the incident yesterday, there was a woman standing on the rooftop of Metacortex. Was she one of our employees?”

Claire took a deep breath and composed herself. “No, Mr. Montgomery, she was not our employee. The woman in question is Lisa Thompson. She is not affiliated with Metacortex in any way. I have a feeling she snuck into the building, and we are currently reviewing the surveillance footage to understand how she got there.”

Another shareholder interjected, “What happened to her, Claire?”

Claire hesitated. She didn't want to divulge too much, as it involved her personal life. “She was just... unstable. I don't know why she chose Metacortex for a suicide attempt.”

The shareholders murmured among themselves, clearly concerned. “Does this incident affect our stock market position?” one of them asked.

Claire shook her head confidently. “No, it hasn't affected our stock. In fact, our stock is still rising.”

Mr. Montgomery nodded thoughtfully. “Even so, Claire, I think it's important that we clarify this situation publicly. There are a lot of rumors and theories floating around.”

“I agree,” Claire said, nodding. “I'll prepare a statement to address this.”

Jack, another shareholder, chimed in, “Claire, I wanted to compliment you on the press conference you held a few days ago with Harris Company. It was a smart decision, and it seems to be paying off.”

The other shareholders nodded in agreement, and Claire smiled. “Thank you, Jack.”

The rest of the meeting focused on ongoing projects with Harris Company. Claire updated the shareholders, saying, “The project with Harris is progressing well. We're currently looking for a robotics company to partner with us to enhance our capabilities.”

As the meeting drew to a close, Claire felt a wave of relief. She leaned back in her chair, letting out a sigh.

Matthew, who had been standing nearby listening to the meeting, approached her. “That meeting went well.”

Claire looked up at him, her expression curious. “Why didn't you want to attend the meeting? You’re a shareholder too, you know.”

Matthew shrugged. “It's enough for me to listen to you. Besides, I'm not used to all that corporate stuff.”

Claire chuckled. “You should get used to it. It's part of the job.”

Matthew smirked. “Maybe someday. But for now, I’m still comfortable with my current work.”

Claire shook her head, smiling. “Suit yourself. But you might have to step in more often. Especially with incidents like this.”

Matthew nodded. “Fair enough.” He watched Claire closely, his concern evident. “Anyway, Claire, what exactly are you planning to do with Lisa?”

Claire paused, deep in thought. After a moment, she stood up and grabbed her bag. “We're going to the police station,” she said firmly. “This matter needs to be dealt with.”

Matthew followed her out of the office, down to the lobby, and into the car. As they drove, the tension between them was palpable. Matthew glanced at Claire, his brow furrowed with worry.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked softly.

Claire sighed, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. “I have to, Matthew. I'm proceeding with suing Lisa. This isn't something I can let slide.”

They arrived at the police station, and Claire's resolve seemed to strengthen. She approached the front desk, where a police officer looked up from his paperwork.

“Can I help you?” the officer asked.

“Wow…should I feel special because the Claire Peterson wanting to see me?” Lisa scoffed, staring at Claire with disgust. “Cut the shit, Claire. Why are you really here?”

Claire's voice dripped with sarcasm as she said, “You caused quite a headline with your 'attempted' suicide, Lisa. I still don’t understand why you decided to pull a stunt in my building,”

“Well, you ruin my life and if go down, I take you with me.” Lisa gritted her teeth.

“I felt sorry for you Lisa. You blame others for the wrongdoings that you did.”

“I don’t need your sorry Claire. Everything that happened is because of you. You ruin my marriage; you ruin my future and ruin my chances to be rich.”

Claire frowned. “Is that your only goal? So, you are just using Alex for your own good.”

Clenching her fist, Lisa glared at Claire. “I am not using Alex and my action is reasonable. Everyone in this world wanted to be rich but a girl like you wouldn’t understand. You are born rich; you don’t know how it feels to be poor.”

Claire clenched her fist, her gaze hardened. “Bold of you to think I was born rich. I work my ss of to get where I am and I for sure won’t use others for my own good. Besides, I still have dignity and pride. While you? I don’t know about that.” Claire stared at Lisa in disgust, but it only made Lisa irritated.

She stepped forward aggressively and was about to jump herself to Claire, but Matthew quickly moved between them, his face hard and serious. “Don't cross the line, Lisa,” he warned.

Lisa hissed at Claire from behind Matthew. “You've got everyone protecting you, Claire. Meanwhile, I have no one. Not even my mother wants to bail me out.”

Claire's expression remained cold. “That's your fault, Lisa. You should reflect on your wrongdoings.”

Lisa glared at her. “If you're here to give me advice, I suggest you find somewhere else. I don't want to hear you talk shit.”

Her eyes locked onto Lisa's. “I’m here to free you.”