New beginning: Billionaire love story

Alexander's fist connected with Adrian's cheek, a dull thud reverberating through the restaurant as Adrian stumbled back, clutching his face in shock. Claire's eyes went wide, completely taken aback by the sudden violence. This wasn't supposed to happen. Not like this. "Alexander!" she yelled, moving quickly to stand between him and Adrian. She shoved Alexander away from Adrian with both hands, her heart racing. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

Adrian, still rubbing his cheek, glared at Alexander, his jaw clenched in pain. "You're out of your mind," he muttered.

Claire wasn't about to let this escalate. She turned on Alexander, her voice low but fierce, trying to keep the growing audience of onlookers from hearing. "You're drunk. You're causing a scene. Everyone's staring," she hissed, pointing a finger at him like she was scolding a child. "I told you to stop this, Alexander. You have no right to decide who I see."

Alexander's face flushed with anger, but Claire didn't give him a chance to respond. She grabbed Adrian's hand, giving it a squeeze, and shot Alexander a glare. "Adrian and I? We're together. You need to get that through your head. You're not in control of my life anymore."

Without waiting for a response, Claire pulled Adrian with her, weaving through the restaurant's tables. People were whispering, some staring openly, while others tried to act like they weren't eavesdropping on the whole mess. Claire's heels clicked sharply on the floor as she marched toward the exit, her grip on Adrian's hand firm and unyielding.

Alexander just stood there, blinking as if trying to process what had just happened. He looked lost, unsure of what to do next. That's when Christian, who had been off somewhere and missed the chaos, walked up with a confused expression.

"What'd I miss?" Christian asked, glancing between Alexander and the curious crowd.

Alexander didn't answer. He just stood there, rubbing his knuckles like he wasn't sure if he'd actually just hit Adrian or if it had all been in his head.noveldrama

The next morning, Claire was still fuming. She couldn't believe Alexander had punched Adrian. Who does that? She muttered to herself as she brushed her hair, her annoyance bubbling up again. "That man is insane," she grumbled. "Completely lost his mind." Adrian, still nursing a sore cheek, had been sweet about it, trying to make light of the situation. But Claire couldn't let it go. Alexander was out of control, drunk, and acting like a jealous fool. It wasn't the first time he'd tried to push his way into her business, but this? This was a new low.

She couldn't dwell on it too much longer, though. Friday had arrived, and that meant one thing-court. Claire arrived at the courthouse for the third trial, her heels clicking on the marble floor, echoing through the halls as she walked with determination. This process had been dragging on for weeks, and she was ready for it to be over.

The courtroom felt familiar now-the same stuffy air, the same rigid wooden benches. But this time, there was a new face in the crowd.

Lisa.

Claire couldn't help but feel a wave of relief seeing her there. Good. About the time she shows up.

The trial proceeded much like the others. Claire testified again, her words measured but firm. Lisa's lawyer tried to object to everything, of course. It was their strategy-discredit, delay, deflect. But Claire stayed composed, letting the facts speak for themselves. Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for-the judge was ready to deliver his verdict.

"On the part of Lisa Thompson," the judge began, his deep voice carrying through the room, "it has been proven that she is guilty of the charges."

Claire couldn't help the smirk that tugged at her lips.

Finally. Justice.

But just as she was about to breathe a sigh of relief, the judge continued. "However, after reviewing the evidence, it has been determined that Lisa Thompson is experiencing severe mental disorders. As such, she will be remanded to a psychiatric hospital for treatment." Claire's smirk vanished, replaced by a scowl. What? She shot a look at her lawyer, David, but before she could say anything, the judge was already holding up a file.

"These medical reports show that

Ms. Thompson has a history of mental health issues, and she has recently exhibited signs of self-harm and unstable behavior. For these reasons, she will be placed in a psychiatric facility, where she will be monitored by both medical professionals and law enforcement officers."

Claire frowned, her mind racing. Mental health? This has to be part of her plan. She didn't buy it for a second. Lisa was cunning, manipulative, and now she was playing the "crazy" card to escape real punishment. She tried to stand up, ready to argue, but the judge banged his gavel, silencing her protests. "The decision is final. Ms. Thompson will remain under strict supervision in the facility, and this court is now adjourned."

As the courtroom cleared out, Claire couldn't shake her anger. She didn't care if Lisa had issues-she deserved to be behind bars, not sitting in some cushy psych ward. She turned to David, her expression hard. "Fix this. I want her in jail," Claire said through gritted teeth.

David gave her a sympathetic nod. "I'll see what I can do, Claire. But mental health cases are tricky. The judge's decision is final, at least for now."

Claire watched as Lisa was escorted

out of the courtroom by police officers. For a brief moment, she caught a glimpse of Lisa's face. It was blank, emotionless-like there was nothing going on behind her eyes. Maybe she really is crazy, Claire thought. But no. She wasn't falling for that. This was all part of

Lisa's act, and Claire knew it.

"I don't trust her," Claire muttered to David. "She's faking it. This is just another one of her schemes."

David sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Maybe, but unless we can prove it, there's not much we can do right now."

Claire clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She wasn't about to let Lisa off the hook. No way. This wasn't over, not by a long shot.

As Lisa was led away, her face still devoid of emotion, Claire's eyes narrowed. She wasn't going to let Lisa hide behind some mental health excuse. She'd find a way to prove the truth-no matter what it took. "Wait, so you tell me that Lisa is being treated in a psychiatric hospital rather than putting her in jail?"

Claire nodded as she paced back

and forth in her office. Her mind kept remembering the judge's earlier decision t was completely unfair to Claire because she was the one who suffered under Lisa's actions, but Claire didn't get the justice she deserved.

What are you going to do about it?"

Claire said in a frustrated tone. "I honestly don't know. I asked David to handle this matter but even he is unsure because the judge has made his decision."

"Damn. That's really unfair. But how's Lisa though? Did she look...I don't know, crazy?"

"Well, she does look like she plays the part well. Rather than glaring at me, frowning, her eyes were blank. Like there is no life."

"She was born to be an actress."

Claire let out a deep sigh. "I don't know. I'm confused with the whole situation. I'm going to investigate this matter more deeply. I don't believe her one bit." She said with determination in her tone. "I'll help Claire. Just tell me what to do and I will do it."