New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex)
Chapter 47

Chapter 47 Happy birthday

Talia made her way through the crowded room of the party, her gaze focused on her phone as she checked a message. In her distraction, she accidentally bumped into Christian, causing his champagne to spill onto his clothes. "Oh no, I'm so sorry!" Talia gasped, her eyes widening in alarm as she noticed the stain spreading on Christian's suit.

Christian blinked in surprise, then let out a soft sigh. "It's alright, accidents happen," he reassured her, though there was a hint of annoyance at the inconvenience.

Feeling guilty, Talla quickly grabbed a napkin from a nearby table and started dabbing at the stain.

"I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to ruin your suit," she apologized again, her voice tinged with regret.

Christian chuckled awkwardly, trying to ease the tension. "Don't worry about it. It's just a little spill, nothing major."

Despite his reassurance, Talia's panic didn't subside. "I'll replace your shirt, or I can have it dry cleaned," she offered, her voice slightly frantic.

Before Christian could decline her offers, Talia kept talking, almost rambling. "I'll do anything to make it up to you, really. I'm so sorry."

Christian glanced at Talla, finally taking notice of her beyond the mishap. He was struck by how beautiful she looked, even in her flustered state. "It's really not necessary," he started to say, but Talia's persistence caught him off guard. Talia shot him a small, apologetic smile. "I just feel terrible about this. Please, let me make it right"

Christian found himself at a loss for words. He had been too preoccupied with his now stained suit that he didn't take a good look of the person who bumped into him.

"Hey, are you okay? Talia asked him as Christian kept staring at her.

Christian glanced up and nodded. "Um yes, I'm fine. Excuse me."

Talia watched him go with a confused expression etched on her face. She blame herself for being so clumsy and reckless. She watched his figure disappear from the crowd before continuing her walk

Claire gracefully made her way through the crowded venue, her confident stride drawing attention as she headed towards the bar. She settled onto a stool and ordered her favorite drink, a martini, with a hint of anticipation in her eyes. As she waited for her order, a familiar voice spoke from behind her. "Back then, you never liked to drink," the voice remarked, causing Claire to turn with a frown

It was Alex, standing there with an air of familiarity that she found irritating. She rolled her eyes in response to his comment. "We should really stop meeting like this. It's becoming quite tiresome," she retorted, her tone laced with annoyance. Alex scoffed, his expression mirroring her irritation. "I could say the same thing," he replied dryly, leaning against the bar counter.

Their drinks arrived, and Claire wasted no time in taking a sip of her martini, relishing the smoothness of the alcohol. She ordered another without hesitation, a subtle defiance in her actions.

Alex couldn't help but notice her second order. "Going for round two already?" he remarked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

Claire glanced at him coolly: "I can handle it," she replied confidently, taking another sip as if to prove her point.

Alex shifted the conversation, his tone slightly accusatory. "How did you even get in here? This party is by invitation only," he pointed

out, raising an eyebrow.

A smirk curled up on Claire's lips, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Oh, Alex, I have my ways," she replied cryptically, enjoying the of mystery.

air

Alex narrowed his eyes, not buying into her vague response. "You probably sneaked in," he remarked, a touch of arrogance in his tone.

Claire's eyebrows raised in mock surprise. "Sneak in? Me? How scandalous," she quipped sarcastically, lifting her glass of martini

"But enough about me. You envy me, Alex? You don't like seeing me doing much better than you?" she added with a smirk, a subtle jab at their past encounters.

Alex's jaw clenched; his frustration evident. He took a swig of his whiskey, the burn of the alcohol serving as a distraction from the tension between them. "You always have a way with words, Claire," he replied curtly, his gaze following her as she stood up and walked away.

There was a lingering sense of unease in the air once Claire left, a reminder of their complicated past.

Ales watched her retreating figure, his thoughts swirling with a mixture of irritation and a strange kind of admiration for her unwavering confidence.

The lively chatter and clinking of glasses filled the air as guests mingled at the elegant party venue. The host's voice cut through the buzz, announcing that it was time for everyone to take their seats at their respective tables. Christian made his way towards the bar with an eager gleam in his eyes.

Alex watched him, raising his brows in mild confusion at his friend sudden appearance. He followed Christian's movements, noting the flustered expression on his face.

"Hey, what's up with you?" Alex asked as he joined Christian at the bar, curious about his friend's unusual behavior.

Christian stared blankly for a moment, lost in his thoughts before finally looking up at Alex. "Mate, I just saw the most beautiful girl," he confessed.

Alex chuckled, understanding Christian's distraction. "Ah, I see. Take it easy, mate. Don't drink too much and make a fool of yourself," he teased lightly, patting Christian on the back.

Christian snapped out of his daze. "Might as well do it. I made a fool of myself earlier."

"Things happened, mate. I'm sure you will find your way to charm her."

With that, they made their way back to their designated table.

The atmosphere was festive, with anticipation building for the celebration ahead.

As everyone settled in, the host took the stage once more, a microphone in hand. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for joining us tonight. We have a special occasion to celebrate, as it's Mr. Saint Laurent's birthday!"

The room erupted in applause and cheers as Mr. Saint Laurent, a distinguished figure in the business world, acknowledged the well-wishes with a gracious smile.

The host continued, "Before we proceed with the birthday festivities and the cake-cutting ceremony, we have a special treat for our guest of honor. We'll be treated to a performance by Elton John!"

Excitement buzzed through the crowd as everyone eagerly anticipated the musical performance. Alex leaned over to Christian, a grin on his face. "Looks like it's going to be a memorable night."

The lights dimmed slightly, setting the stage for the singer's entrance.

Mr. Saint Laurent's face lit up with delight as he recognized the music. The singer's voice was mesmerizing, drawing everyone into the performance.

"Now, it's time for the birthday celebration!"

But before the guests could start singing, Mr. Saint Laurent asked the host to lend him a mic.

"Thank you all for being here tonight. I am truly blessed to celebrate my 80th birthday surrounded by dear friends, colleagues, and family."

Mr. Saint Laurent's gaze then shifted, landing on Claire, who was among the guests. "And it would be a shame if I didn't acknowledge someone special who has graced us with her presence tonight. Claire, would you do me the honor of joining me on stage?" Special Halloween Treat More Coins, More Thrills!