New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex)
Chapter 114

Chapter 114 How noble

Frank repeated his words, histone incredulous. "Excuse me, business partner? Did I hear that wrong?"

Alex smiled confidently. "You heard correctly, Frank Harris Hotel will be working with Metacortex on their new project." II

Frank frowned, sill unable to mask his disbeliet. "I find that hard to believe."

Before the conversation could escalate further, Claire intervened. "It's nice to see you again, Frank," she said, placing her champagne glass on a nearby table. She then grabbed Alex's hand and quickly led him out of the ballroom to a quieter, empty spot in the hallway Once they were aloe, Claire didn't bother hiding her annoyance. She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Alex. "What was that about?" she demanded.

Alexised his eyebrows, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "A thank you would suffice, considering what you said to me earlier."!

Claire, still frowning, asked, "Why did you tell Frank about us working together?"

Alex shoved both hands into his pockets and replied, "Isn't he your business rival?"

so?" claire responded, imitation clear in her voice.

"was only helping you," Alex said. "I noticed your expression wasn't exactly pleasant when he approached."

"I don't need your help," Claice shat back. "I can handle it on my own"

Alex scored sarcastically. "Funny, I said the same thing earlier and yet you still smock your nose into my business

Claire's eves namowed. "I did it because I'll be working with Harris Company, and you need to maintain your reputation. Not understanding Trench could have made headlines, so I basically saved you from humillation" Alex chuckled dryly. "So, you did it out of self-interest? How noble."

claire crossed her arms, her patience wearing thin. "Think what you want, Alex. But telling Frank was unnecessary and reckless. It could jeopardize our project.

Alex frowned confused by what Claire stated. "How am 1 jeopardizing? In some sense, I was practically saying that to make him worry. I low about Venus and Hp working together. I was confused that Hp chose them rather than you."

Claire was sent for a second. She didn't actually tell Alex the real reason of Claire wanting this collaboration. She wasn't sure if Claire tell the truth Alex would help her and if she is being honest, she wouldn't help Alex either if Alexis in Clare position. She doesn't know how to respond as she heaved a sighed.

Alex frowned in annoyance, his eyes narrowing. "You didn't tell me how you learn French, Claire? You never spoke the language back then," he demanded, his voice edged with suspicion

Clauerited her head slightly, a sick playing on her lips. "There are a lot of things you don't know about me, Alex and I don't need to tell y hertone dripping with mystery.

I you anything." she said,

orest, neither willing to back down. The tension between them was palpable, a mixture of unresolved teelings and

They stood there, locked in a silent staring ou unspoken words,

Suddenly, a familiar voice broke the silence. "Alex?" It was Cindy, calling out from nearby.

"Shat," Alexcursed under his breath, panir flashing across his face fustinctively, he grabbed Claire and pressed her against the wall, trying to hide them both from Cindy's new. "What are you doing?"Clair hissed whispering

Their bodies were so close together that Claire's eyes widened in surpose. She was about to protest, but Alex quickly covered her mouth with his band, lus eyes dating around nervously shh," he whispered urgently.

Claire's heart pounded in her chest, a mix of confusion and aspected thrill. She could feel Alex's breath on her face, his body heat radiating against her. She glared at him, her eyes questioning his sudden move

Claire couldn't understand what was happening, so she stayed quiet, her heart still pounding in her chest,

She felt uncomfortable with the proximity, she cleared her throat coussing her fingers for it to be over SDOM. "Okay, the coast is clear"

He slowly removed his hand from her meth and turned to face her, but his anger quickly dissipated as he became entranced by her beauty. Claine's face was mere inches from his, and he could see every detail of her features.

Claire definitely look different. She wasn't the Claire Alex once knew. There is this determined and cold look on her eyes which he never saw it before in their

This was the first time they had been this close since their divorce, and the intensity of the moment struck him... Claire didn't hesitate. She pushed Alex away with all her strength, then began to dust off her dress, glaring at know that this can count as havent? the bell is wrong with you, Alex? Do you

Alex took a step back, raising his hands defensively. "Claire, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. There was someone nearby, and I didn't want us to be seen"

Clair raised an eyebrow, skepticism written all over her face. "Who are you luding from?

Alex hesitated, clearly reluctant to answer. But he realized he owed her an explanation to clear up the misunderstanding. "I was hiding from Cindy," he admitted reluctantly, Chapter 114 Hin habla

"Cindy?" Claire repeated, bet irritation not yet abating "Cindy who?"

"Cindy Marshal."Alex said, looking mound nervously as if she might appear any second.

Claire's eyes widened in suqrise, "Marshal? As in Jeff Marshal's daughter? Your business rival? Isn't she a model?

Alex nodded, feeling a bit of relief that Claire recognized the name. "Yeah, that's the one and yes she is a model. I did not expect you to know about her."

Claire crossed her arms, her curiosity piqued despite her lingering imitation. "Of course, I know who she is. She's quiet famous not because of her modelling skills but her dating lite. But why are you hiding from her?"

Alex sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's complicated."

Claire's voice dripped with sarcasm as she looked at Alex. "Oh, I know. So, from Lisa to a new woman immediately, huh? You sure move fast. I wonder how Lisa will react if she found out about this."

"I don't care about what she thinks. I don't have anything to do with her anymore."

Claire raised her brows in amusement. "Oh, really? Then why did you visit her to the hospital?"

Alex scrunched his brows, feeling the sting of her words. "It's not what you think, Claire," he started, but then he stopped mid-sentence. His expression hardened. "Why would I tell you this? Is not like you care about it. I don't need to tell you everything." Claire rolled her eyes, her annoyance palpable. "Funnily enough, I don't care about it either, Alex. I really don't," she retorted, her voice cool and dismissive. With that, she turned on her heel and started walking back to the ballroom

As Claire passed him, Alex caught a whiff of her citrus vanilla perfume. His eyes closed instinctively, drawn to the familiar scent. For a moment, he was lost in the memory it evoked. Then he snapped back to reality, his eyes opening as he let out a sigh. Shalding his head, he muttered to himself, "I'm out of my mind "