Chapter 84 Diamond Necklace
Clalte gasped bastornshunent at the sight.
Inside was a stunning diamond necklace, a Christie's Diamond Necklace, radiating elegance and luxury. "Adrian, you really didn't have to," she protested softly, feeling overwhelmed by the extravagant elli.
Adrian's smile remained, his eyes sincere as he spoke, "It's your birthday, Claire. Everyone deserve to have something special"
Claire was taken aback "I can't accept smelling so extravagant "
"It's your birthday, Claire. My grandfather would insist, Fleas, take it."
She was touched by his words and thanked him with a soft smile. "Thank you, Adilan, It means a lot," she said sincerely.
Adilan smiled back, his eyes meeting hers briefly before he asked, "Do you mind if i help you with the necklace?" Claire nodded, forming amind to give him better access. She brought her hair to the food, feeling a slight nervousness at the postmity. it had been a while since she had been this close to a man since Alex Matthew didn't count since he was berright-hand person and bat a unique place in herlite, and this closeness with Adilan felt unfamiliar
As Adrian's fingers touched her skin, Claire couldn't help but shiver slightly. It was an odd sensation, nor she hadn't felt in a long time
Addan finished clasping the necklace and apologized softly, "I hope 1 didn't make your uncomfortable,
Claire smiled ceassuringly, "No, it's fine, Adrian. Thank you for helping."
Looking down at the beatiful diamond necklace, Claire adudied Its elegance. "It'sbeautiful," she commented, her eyes sparkling
Adrian nodded, but his gaze was on her, not the necklace. "Yeah, it is," he replied, his eyes full of admiration.
As Claire lifted her head, she caught Addan staring at her. A playful smile danced on her lips as she met his gaze. Their silent exchange was intemipted by a sudden cough, drawing their attention to the person who had intended on their moment. Teming towards the sound, claire's expression shifted from joy to annoyance as she recognized Alexander Harris approaching them.
His smirk didn't help ease her initation as he feigned Innocence. "I'm sorry, did interrupt something?" he quipped, his tone lighthearted
Claire gritted her teeth, her annoyance evident as she replied, "No, of course not, You came at the perfect time," her words dripping with sarcasm.
Adrian, sensing the tension, glanced between them and ventured to ask, "Do you two know each other?"
Before Clair could respond, Alex took the lead, smoothly interjecting, "Yeah, we're business partner,"
But Claire quiddy added. "It is not official yet so don't pay too much attention.".
Alexextend his hand towards Adrian to introduce himself. "I'm Alexander Harris."
Adrian shook Alex's hand, curious about their connection. "Are you part of Harris Hotel?" he inquired, showing his admiration for the hotel chain.
Alexchackled lightly. "Yes, I'm the co now. My father stepped down about a year ago," he explained, a hint of pride in his voice.
Impressed, Adrian complimented the hotel, sharing his positive experiences staying there. Alex graciously thanked him before turning the conversation back to Adrian's business.
"I didn't get your name earlier."
"Oh right. My apologies. I'm Adrian Saint Laurent
H
Alexfurrowed his brows at the sumume. "Saint Laurent
"Yeah, I'm sure you are familiar with the name. Nicholas Saint Laurent is my grandfather."
Alex was surposed since he wasn't expecting the man in front of him is Mr. Saint Laurent grandson.
"What kind of business do you own?" Alexasked, genuinely curious.
"1 owned a few clubs in America and two in London. It's called L'illusion."
Alex wasn't expecting Adrian to be the owner of L'Illusion since that nightclub is one of his favorite places to hang out and not to mention he is a VIP member in that club
H
Adrian took his phone out from his pocket then turned to Claire. "I'm sorry if you don't mind, I will answer this "
"Of course, go ahead, I will see you inside."
He turned to Alex with a polite smile. "It's good meeting you Alexander."
"Likewise
Adressed himself to take a call, Claire took the opportunity to tumito Alex. "What are you doing here?" she asked, curtosity lacing her tone.
His eyes drifted to the diamond necklace laying on Claire's neck. "Nice necklace. Did your boyfriend by it for you? Or did you ask for it?"
Clare scoffed in disbelief. "First he is not my boyfriend and second he gave me this necklace besides I don't think you are even capable of doing such thing Illseyebrow raised but before he could utter a word, Claire cut in all. "What are you doing here, Alex? Alexchuckled, leaning against the railing "I'm here for your birthday party, remember?"
Claire shook her head as she narrowed her eyes at Not that. I mean what are you doing at the balcony? Are purposely interrupting me cometsation with
Chapter
Alex raised an eyebrow, a a sarcastic tone in his voice. "I didn't know looking into each other's eyes was a part of a conversation."
Rolling her eyes, Claire crossed her arms over her chest. "Why do you care? I can do whatever I want. Besides, shouldn't you be dealing with Lisa?" The mention of Lisa's name seemed to darken Alex's mood. He replied in a cold tone, "Don't mention her name." Claire, ever the tease, couldn't resist. "The one you promised to marry?"
Alex's glare was icy, but Claire remained unfazed. "Is Adrian your next prey?" Alex asked, trying to shift the conversation away
way from his personal life.
Claire was taken aback by the accusation, her voice tuming cold. "Adrian and 1 are just friends. And even if I decided to date him, what's wrong with that? Jealous?" Alex let out a laugh that lacked warmth. "I'll never be jealous. But it kinda make sense why you choose him after all he is the grandson of Saint Laurent and probably will inherit his business."
Claire is irked by Alex remarks, "You really don't have anything to do rather than sticking your nose in my business."
Alex shrugged. "I'm just saying if it isn't true you don't need to be mad."
"It's best if you should get out of my hair," Claire retorted, her tone firm. As Claire made to leave, Alex called after her. "Claire. Are you still staying at the mansion?"
Claire was struck with a wave of memories from the past as the house was mentioned.
You can have it back if you want; I have no use
She turned back to Alex, her expression unreadable as she replied, "No, I don't stay there anymore. Alex's chuckle held a bitter note as he said, "Of course, you don't need it. You're the CEO of Metacortex, after all. You have everything. I still don't understand why use for it." you asked for the house," Alex ask, genuine confusion in his volcr.
Claire's smile in response was devoid of warmth, her words cutting through the air like ice. "Because you accused me of being a gold digger and an attention seeker, so I just played my part
With that, Claire walked away, leaving Alex standing alone on the balcony, stunned by her words. Claire seemed to always have a way with words that left people in shock, and tonight was no exception.
Chapter 85 Mastermind
The party had been a great success, with laughter and cheerful chatter filling the air, Claire, the hostess, made her rounds, thanking each guest for coming and ensuring they had a good time. As the evening wound down, she found herself bidding farewell to her guest. Adrian approached her with a warm smile. "Once again happy birthday, Claire." he said, giving her a gentle hug.
Claire rerumed the smile, feeling grateful for his presence. Thank you so much for coming Adnan and also for the necklace."
"I'm just doing my job Amway, since I'll be here in London for a few weeks, what about we hang out sometimes."
Claire pretended to ponder, a playful glint in her eye. "Hmm, let me check my busy schedule," she teased, causing Adrian to chuckde.
"I'll be waiting for that schedule check, he replied with a wink before saying his goodbyes.
Talia, another friend of Claire's, palled her aside with a grin. "Claire, everyone had a great time. The party was lively."
Claire beamed at the compliment. "I'm so glad to hear that, Talla. All credit goes to you, Matthew and Sandra couldn't do it without you guys." Christian terped with a polite greeting. "Happy birthday, Claire Sorry I didn't catch you earlier."
claire waved off his apology with a smile. "No worries at all, Christian Thanks for coming."
Christian's gaze then shifted to Talia, a hint of recognition dawning on his face. "And who insight this be?" he inquired, extending his hand.
"Ah this is Talia, my best friend." Claire introduced them, and they exchanged pleasantries.
However, Christian's memory jogged as he remembered a previous encounter. "Ah, you're the one who spilled wine on me," he remarked, a playful tone in his
voice.
Talia chuckled lightly. "And you're the guy who couldn't take his eyes off me," she teased back, a playful twinkle in her eye.
Christianfeigned innocence, a slight blush creeping up. "I wasn't stating at you, just someone behind you," he retorted, trying to deflect the attention
Their conversation was interrupted when Alex, a figure from Claloe's past, approached them. His presence brought a tense air as Claire maintained her composure "Happy birthday, Claire," Alex sad formally, a hint of unreadable emotion in his eyes. Claire replied politely, though her tone was noticeably cool. "Thank you for coming, Alex"
As Alex tomed to leave, Claire couldn't help but feel a pang of His sudden appearance and well wishes felt our of place, considering their history.
When they were married, Alex didn't even think to wish Clate a happy birthday or show up to the birthday celebration that his mother had planned for her. Now that he has chosen to come and even wish her a happy birthday, Claire finds herself not familiar with this. She catches herself thinking about how unpredictable his behavioris
Christian, sensing the tension, joked lightly. "I better head out too before Alex starts secting out search parties."
Claire laughed, grateful for the lighthearted moment amidst the mixed emotions. "Thanks for understanding, Christian. Have a good night."
"You okay, Claire?"
Claire turned to Talia and smiled. "Yeah, I'm fine. You should head home, I know you are tied. Thank you for preparing the party "claire hugged Talia, feeling grateful for her help. "Anytime Claire." H
Claire slipped into her car, the leather seat cool against her skin.
Matthew, her ever-elsable partner, settled in beside her, his eyes reflecting conemas be asked, "How are you feeling, Claire?"
A small smile touched her lips as she started the engine. "I'm happy, Matt, but also a bit weird about celebrating my birthday with strangers. Quess is the life of a businesswoman,"
Matthew grinned, his eyes twinkling with admiration. "You handled the party remarkably well, as always. Anyways, I have something for you
Claire's curiosity piqued when Matthew mentioned he had something for her "oh what's that?"
Matthew reached into the compartment between their seats and pulled out a slim file. Handing it to Claire, he said, "Since you've been busy uncovering Lisa's secrets and I forgot about the person behind Dmitr, consider this a birthday present." Claire raised an eyebrow as she accepted the file: "What is this?"
"It's a recond of the conversation Dmitri had with the person who hire him, along with the location of the burner phone and Dimitri's current whereabouts," Matthew explained.
Claire's eyes scanned the contents of the tile. She then scoffed as read the address of the burner phone. "Is the person stupid or what?"
"Why is that?"
"Whoever the person is may contact me using a burner phone but the address, 1 low this address by heart. Do you think we should confiant Dmitri or go after the mastermind?" hire you besides if we go to Dmitri, he might not
Matthew leased back, considering their options. "Hmmm..I mean we found the address of the person who hir cooperate like last time and it could be a waste of time. But the choices it's all up to you."
the gazed out of the window, the passing buildings a blur as she contemplated their move. "Let's go after the person behind this. However, it would be fun if 1 Lount them, "Amievous de popped in her mind. She turned to him with a sly grin and asked, "Hey, do you still have Dmitri's phone?**
Mathew raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, why?"
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