New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex)
Chapter 57

Chapter 57 Another surprise He bly above t

e whisper.

The shock and realization hit Alex like a ton of bucks. His mihal excitement and confidence evaporated, replaced by a sinking feeling of dread. It was as it some had poured an ice-cold bucket of water over him

claire, ever composed and professional, stood up gracefully, her gaze Exing on alex. "Are you play, Mr. Harris?" she ask, her tone neutral but curious.

Alex struggled to find his voice, his mind a whithwind of emotions and answered questions. Beside him, Christian sensed the tension but temained silent.. observing the unfolding scen

Summoning his professional demeanor, Alex extended his hand to Claire. "I'm Alexander Has the CEO of mis hotel, he managed to introduce himself, bis voice steady despite the chaos within

Claire's response was measured, as if she hadn't just recognized her ex-husband standing in front of her "Clate Peterson, CEO of Metacontes," she introduced herself in retum, her tone businesslike vet polite as she welcomed them to the meeting. Asthey settled into their seats, Alex couldn't shake out the surreal feeling of fading claire in this professional setting. His mind raced with questions, wondering how she could act as if they were strangers after their shared history.

Claire, taking charge of the meeting, directed her attention to Alex, asking about the reason behind choosing Metacortex as a partner for Harris

Alex stumbled slightly in his response, still grappling with the shock of the situation.

"believe Metacortex aligns well with our goals and vision for this project," Alex managed to explain, though his confidence wavered under Claire's scrutinizing his team presented their

Claire's subtle smirk did not go unnoticed by Alex, adding to his discomfort. However, he focused on the business aspects, ensuring his tea proposal professionally.

Throughout the presentation, Claire maintained a composed demeanor, carefully evaluating the details presented to her. Alex couldn't help but steal glances at her, his mind still processing the revelation of her identity as the CEO of Metacost ex Questions swirled in Alex's mind like a tempest. How had he not known? why had Claite kept this a secret? Doubt and curtosity gnawed at him, fueling a burning need for answers Had Claire deceived him for three years, and if so, to what end? As the meeting drew to a close, claire commended the team on their innovative concept. "It's an interesting idea, and I appreciate the effort put into it," she remacked, her tone acknowledging the business aspect of their interaction. "I would like to see our partnership happening" said Claire waiting for Alex response

Alex, on the other hand, was grappling with his own doubts. "Ms. Peterson, if you don't mind, I'd like some time to think about this partnership," he said, surprising Christian and their other employee who had seen Alex's initial enthusiasm "Of course, Mr. Haris. Take your time to considerit."

As the meeting drew to a close, Claire Instructed Sandra to see their guests out. However, Alex remained seated, his gaze fixed on Claire with an intensity that was hard to ignore. "Why?" Alex's voice was cold,

was cold, his eyes searching Claire's face for answ

answers.

Claite met his gaze evenly, leaning back in her chair with a composed demeanor, "I don't understand what you mean, Alex."

Alex scoffed in disbelief, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "Don't play dumb, Clain. Is this your plan all along? To make a fool out of me?"

Claire's expression shifted, a facker of annoyance crossing her features. "I have no interest in playing games, Alex Believe what you want

She stood up taking her Ipad with her and was about to leave the room until Alex reached out and grabbed her wrist.

Alexwasn't satisfied with her evasive response,

"Let go, Alex," Claire insisted, her tone sharp.

Alex held on, his determination clear. "Not until you tell me the truth."

Claire's eyes widened in surprise at his insistence. "Let it go, Alex," she repeated, trying to free her wrist from his grasp

"I won't," Alex stated firmly, his voice unwavering. "Not until i get the truth from you."

Frestration and tension hung heavy in the air between them. Claire's patience wore thin as she attempted once more to break free from Alex's hold.

"Are you feeling threatened now that you know who I am?" Claire's tone turned mocking, a hint of bittemess seeping through.

Alex's grip loosened slightly, his expression conflicted "Me? Threaten? I don't feel threaten. I just want the truth. Why didn't you tell me Claire?"

"Why should 11 do not owe you anything to make me tell you about myself."

Alexeyes burning with anger. "I can't believe you. You know what? Maybe have second thoughts about this partnership."

Claire scotted. "You think I wanted this partnership from the start? No, I don't 1 rejected it couple of time but you," Claire yanked her wrist from Alex grip and pointed his finger at him. "you were so keen with this partnership and very excited about it. You should thank jack for convincing me to schedule a meeting with you, if it wasn't for him, I would have never think about it."

Claire turned on her heels and about to leave the meeting room when Alex called her out.

Alex wasted no time getting to the point. "Are you also the one who leaked the information about my wedding to mam?

Claire's from derpened as she processed his question. "Wedding?"

Alex took a step closet, his eyes narrowing. "Don't play dumb, Claire. My mum teceived a photo of Lisa and me at the boutique. Someone told her about it, and 1

Claire's demeanor shitted, hereves flashing with a hint of anger, "I have no idea what you're talking about, Alex. Why would I do such a thing?"

Alex wasn't convinced, has frustration evident. "Because you've lied to me before, Claire. About your identity, about so many things. I wouldn't put it past you to meddle in my personal life"

Claire's voice rose slightly, matching his frustration "First, I didn't lie about my identity and second, I wouldn't stoops low as to interfere in your personal. affairs. And I certainly wouldn't involve your ITMATTA.

Their exchange grew tem

tense, neither willing to back down. Claire continued to deny any involvement, urging Alex to consider other possibilities. "Maybe you should ask Lisa," Claire suggested, a note of exasperation in her voice. "She was the one who told me about your wedding. Before Alex could respond, Claire abruptly tumed and left the meeting room, her footsteps echoing down the corridor.

Alex couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling that lingered after their confrontation. The realization about Claire's true identity had already been a shock, and now the suspicion of her involvement in leading information to his mum added another layer of distrust. As he processed the situation, Alex couldn't help but feel betrayed. He had once been married to Claire, believing in the person she portrayed herself to be. Now, faced with these revelations, he couldn't help but see her in a different light-a manipulative liar who had betrayed his trust more than once,

"Who is the woman, grandfather brought home?"