New beginning: Billionaire love story

Matthew leaned against Claire's desk, tapping his fingers lightly as he grinned at her. "So, you heading out soon or what?"

Claire glanced up from her computer, blinking a few times as she stretched her arms. "Yeah, actually. Adrian asked me to dinner." She tried to sound casual, but the slight blush on her cheeks gave her away. Matthew's grin only widened. "Adrian, huh? Well, well, well. Look at you. Going on actual dates now. What happened to 'I'm too busy for romance'?"

Claire rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Oh, shut up. It's just dinner."

"Right," Matthew teased, folding his arms. "Dinner. With the guy you clearly like."

Claire grabbed a pen and playfully threw it at him. "Don't you have somewhere to be?"

Matthew caught the pen with a chuckle. "Not really. But I'm definitely enjoying this."

Shaking her head, Claire stood up, gathering her things. "Goodbye, Matthew. Try not to hack into anything too crazy while I'm gone."

"No promises," he called after her, grinning as he waved. "Enjoy your date!"

Claire waved him off, heading toward the elevator. She was excited, though she tried to keep her cool. When she stepped outside of the building, her eyes immediately landed on Adrian, leaning casually against his car, looking as handsome as ever. The streetlights cast a soft glow over him, making him look almost unreal. And when his eyes met hers, they lit up like they always did when he saw her.

"Hey, gorgeous," Adrian said, pushing off the car and walking toward her. His smile was easy, natural, and always seemed to have this effortless charm.

Claire couldn't help but smile back. "Hey yourself."

He opened his arms, inviting her into a quick hug, which she accepted. "How was your day?" he asked as they pulled back, his voice warm.

"Busy, as usual," Claire replied with a small shrug. "You?"

Adrian leaned in closer, his tone playful. "Pretty much the same. Though it would've been better if I could see you 24/7."

Claire rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress her grin. "You really need to work on your flirting."

He chuckled, stepping back to open the car door for her. "I'm just warming up."

Once she was settled, Adrian hopped into the driver's seat, and they drove off, the city lights flashing by in a blur. Claire found herself feeling more at ease than she had in a while, the tension of her busy day fading as they chatted. She tried to focus on the moment, pushing aside any lingering thoughts of work-or anyone else.

Meanwhile, Alexander wasn't having such a relaxed evening. He sat at a fancy restaurant, swirling his wine glass, his eyes narrowed. Across from him, Christian was watching him with concern as Alexander downed yet another glass.

"You know," Christian said carefully, "you've already finished two bottles of this stuff. Maybe slow down a little."

Alexander ignored him, pouring himself another drink. "Why should I? I feel like crap. Claire's out there with him," he spat the word out like it left a bad taste in his mouth. "Adrian. I can't believe she's actually dating him."

Christian sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Look, I get it. It sucks. I didn't expect her to move on with Adrian either, but you've gotta let it go, man. Claire's moved on, and maybe... maybe you need to too."

Alexander's grip tightened on the wine glass, his jaw clenched. "I'm not giving up on her, Christian. I know I messed up, I know I treated her badly, but I'm a different man now. I deserve a second chance."

Christian just stared at him for a moment before sighing again. He had anticipated this kind of meltdown, but being stuck in the middle of it wasn't ideal. Especially since he was supposed to be meeting Talia tonight, fresh off her flight from France. His phone buzzed with a text from her, and he checked the time, grimacing.

"I need to make a call real quick," Christian said, standing up. "I'll be right back."

Alexander wayed him off, muttering something under his breath about how Christian cared more about Talia than him. Christian just rolled his eyes and walked off, searching for a quieter spot to call Talia. He loved Alexander, but when the guy was this drunk, he could be a bit... difficult.

Left alone, Alexander reached for the bottle again, only to find it empty. He scowled, about to call for the waiter when something caught his eye.. Across the restaurant, a woman had just walked in. He squinted, trying to make sure his booze-soaked brain wasn't playing tricks on him.

Was that... Claire?

His heart jumped into his throat as he stood up, his eyes narrowing further. And then, just behind her, he saw him Adrian Saint Laurent. Alle the blood in his body seemed to boil at once. Without thinking, he marched toward them, fury bubbling up inside him like a volcano ready to explode.

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Claire hadn't even had time to fully enjoy the warm atmosphere of the restaurant when she noticed Alexander storming toward her, his face flushed and angry. Her stomach dropped. Oh no. Not here. Not now. "Alexander?" she said, her voice laced with surprise and a touch of dread.

"What the hell is this?" Alexander snapped, ignoring Adrian completely as he glared at her. "You're here with him?"

Adrian stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Hey, man, let's not do this here."

Alexander's gaze flicked to Adrian, his eyes filled with contempt. "Stay out of this, Saint Laurent."

Claire sighed, rubbing her temples. "Alexander, what are you doing here?"

"I'm having dinner," he said bitterly, gesturing vaguely behind him to where Christian was presumably still on the phone. "But imagine my surprise when I see you walk in here with him."

Claire could feel the tension thickening around them, and the last thing she wanted was to cause a scene. "Look, I don't want to do this right now. We're just here for dinner. Can we not make this a thing?"noveldrama

"Oh, it's already a thing," Alexander said darkly, his words slightly slurred from all the wine. "You're really gonna sit here and pretend like this doesn't mean anything?"

Adrian stepped in again, his voice steady. "Alexander, let's cool it, alright? This isn't the place."

Alexander shot him a look so sharp it could cut through glass. "You think you can just swoop in and take her from me?"

Adrian's jaw tightened, but he remained calm. "This isn't about taking anything. Claire makes her own choices."

"And she's choosing you?" Alexander spat, the venom in his voice almost palpable.

Claire had had enough. She stepped forward, looking Alexander straight in the eye. "Alexander, stop. This isn't helping anything. I'm not your property. I'm with Adrian because I want to be." Alexander let out a sarcastic chuckle. "Don't tell me you are with him because of his influence. Are you really that desperate for fame? If fame is what you need I can give you that."

Claire's face was etched with an angry look. At that moment, she was about to throw her hands up in front of him.

"You better watch your mouth, Harris."

"And what are you gonna do? Punch me?"

"Maybe I will if you don't shut your mouth," Adrian said coldly.

"Well, looks like I'm going first."

The next thing Claire knew was Alexander's fist landed on Adrian's cheek.