New beginning: Billionaire love story

Alexander stood on the balcony, the city skyline spread out before him like a glittering tapestry. The cold breeze stung his cheeks, but he barely noticed. His mind was too tangled up in thoughts of Claire. He let out a deep sigh, his breath fogging in the chill air.

He'd considered inviting Claire to the Harris family Thanksgiving dinner, concocting the idea of a "business bonding" excuse just to see her. But even in his imagination, he could already hear her sharp refusal, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Claire wasn't the type to accept half-truths or hidden motives. The thought of her rolling her eyes at him was enough to squash the idea.

And yet, despite his hesitation, the gnawing regret wouldn't leave him. He missed her. More than he wanted to admit.

Why? Why Claire from all of the people he have to think about? Not to mention Claire was his ex-wife. Alexander thought to himself.

Why does it always come back to you, Claire?

He wondered bitterly. No matter how far he tried to distance himself, she was always there — an unrelenting presence in his mind.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the balcony door opening again. He turned, half-expecting his father, but instead, it was Abigail again. Her dark eyes looked up at him, filled with concern and also curiosity.

"Alex," she said softly, wrapping a shawl tighter around her shoulders. "Are you okay?"

He managed a tired smile. "Yeah. Just... thinking."

"Your mum called you. She said she have something important to tell you."

Alex raised his brows then frowned wondering what his mother wanted to tell him about. "Did she said why?"

Abigail shook her head. "No, but it seems that she wanted to talk to you about something."

He sighed as he turned towards the view of the night sky. "Ok, thank you for telling me. Tell her I will be there."

Abigail stared at Alexander one more time with a hint of sadness before leaving the balcony for the second time.

Meanwhile, in the cold sterility of the psychological ward, Lisa Thompson paced the length of her room for what felt like the hundredth time that day. The walls, a lifeless shade of beige, seemed to close in on her. Her fists clenched at her sides, her nails digging into her palms as she fought back a wave of frustration. Three weeks. Three damn weeks.

Lisa had lost count of the days. Gretta had promised to help her, to set her free from this suffocating prison. And yet, all she'd done was visit. Empty reassurances, hollow words. Gretta would smile, make vague promises of "patience" and "timing," but Lisa was running out of both.

The desire for vengeance simmered just beneath her skin. Images of Claire danced in her mind - Claire with her cold confidence, Claire with her flawless composure. It made Lisa's blood boil.

Claire Peterson, she thought bitterly, you think you're untouchable. But your time is coming.

A slow, twisted smile spread across her lips. She could almost taste the satisfaction of seeing Claire

brought down, humiliated, destroyed. A bloodbath, if necessary. Whatever it took to see that perfect façade shatter.

Lisa couldn't wait to see the look on Claire face when she finally is out from this crazy ward that fills with crazy people.

The door creaked open, pulling Lisa from her dark thoughts. Gretta entered, her expression unreadable, clutching a file close to her chest.

"Still no progress?" Lisa snapped, her voice dripping with venom. "You just here to check on me again?" Gretta's eyes flickered with annoyance, but she kept her tone calm. "Things take time, Lisa. I can't just snap my fingers and get you out of here. If we're going to do this right, we need to be careful." Lisa's jaw clenched. "I don't want careful. I want out. Now."

Gretta sighed, her fingers tapping the file thoughtfully. "Soon. Just hold on a little longer. Everything is in motion."

Lisa's eyes darkened. "It better be. Because when I get out of here, Claire won't know what hit her."

At Metacortex, Claire leaned back in

her office chair, a sigh escaping her lips as she set her pen down. The glow of her desk lamp cast a soft light across the room, but the fatigue in her eyes refused to fade. The Thanksgiving dinner at the Saint Laurents' had been a brief respite, a taste of warmth and normalcy. But the world she lived in was rarely so forgiving.

Her gaze drifted toward the window, the London skyline stretching out in the distance. The city felt vast, impersonal - a constant reminder that peace was fleeting.

And now, another event loomed on

the horizon; the Christmas dinner party. The mere thought of it made her shoulders tense. She had a feeling it would be hosted by one of two families - the Saint Laurents or the Harrises. Neither option filled her with comfort. noveldrama

She suspected Adrian's family might take the reins this year. The Saint Laurents were known for their impeccable taste and lavish

gatherings. But the Harris family, with their relentless pursuit of prestige, could just as easily claim the event for themselves

She didn't know which scenario she preferred. Both came with their own complications. And knowing Alexander, he wouldn't pass up a chance to use the occasion to... talk. To unsettle her, as he always seemed to do.

A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. Sandra peeked her head in, a cautious smile on her

lips.

"Everything alright, Claire?" she asked gently.

Claire nodded, though the exhaustion in her eyes betrayed her. "Just... thinking."

Sandra stepped inside, closing the door behind her. "You know, you don't have to attend the Christmas dinner if you don't want to.'

Claire shook her head. "It's not about wanting to. It's about maintaining appearances. Whether it's the Saint Laurents or the Harrises, I need to be there."

Sandra sighed. "You are always carrying so much on your shoulders."

Claire's lips curved into a small, weary smile. "Someone has to."

The conversation was interrupted by the buzz of Claire's phone. She glanced at the screen and saw Adrian's name. Her heart softened a little.

"Hey," she greeted, her voice losing some of its edge.

"Good morning, beautiful," Adrian's warm voice came through. "I was just wondering if you're free for dinner tonight."

Claire's eyes softened further, a genuine smile tugging at her lips. "I would love that."

"Perfect. I will pick you up at seven."

As the call ended, Claire took a deep breath. For a moment, the weight on her shoulders felt a little lighter. Adrian had that effect on her - making her believe, even briefly, that she didn't have to carry the world alone.

But as she leaned back in her chair, her gaze hardened again. She knew better than to believe peace

would last. Eligos, Lisa, Alexander- they all lurked in the shadows of her life, each one pulling a thread that threatened to unravel everything.

Expect the unexpected, she thought grimly, Eligos's words echoing in her mind. She wouldn't let her guard down. Not now. Not ever.