New beginning: Billionaire love story

Claire sat in her office, meticulously gathering the evidence she had compiled against Robert-documents, financial statements, and internal reports from his time at Metacortex. Matthew stood beside her, double-checking the files, his expression grim.

"You sure about this?" Matthew asked as he passed her a flash drive.

Claire took it without hesitation. "More than ever."

She glanced at the clock. Time was slipping away, and she had to act fast before Robert caught wind of what she was doing.

As she placed the last set of papers into a file, her phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID and immediately put the call on speaker.

"Winnie," Claire said, continuing to organize the documents. "Why are you calling?"

Winnie's voice came through, slightly breathless. "I think I found out who this Evelyn is. The one who keeps visiting Lisa."

Claire's movements halted. She straightened, her grip tightening on the papers. "And?"

"I—I have a strong feeling she's planning to free Lisa," Winnie continued. "I just don't know how she's going to do it."

Claire frowned, her mind racing. "Free her?"

"Yeah. But I don't think it's a legal route," Winnie said hesitantly.

Claire exchanged a glance with Matthew before responding. "Keep an eye on Evelyn. See if you can find her real name."

There was a brief pause.

"I don't know, Claire," Winnie said, her voice laced with uncertainty.

Claire immediately softened her tone. "Listen, you don't have to keep going if you're uncomfortable. Just telling me what you know is more than enough. I'll take it from here."

Another moment of silence.

Then Winnie sighed. “No. I'll try one more time to find out who she is. I need to know."

Claire nodded, even though Winnie couldn't see her. "Alright. But if things get dangerous, stop immediately and get far away. Call me the moment you sense trouble, and I'll handle it."

"I will," Winnie promised. "Thanks, Claire."noveldrama

"Stay safe," Claire said before hanging up.

She turned back to Matthew, her expression sharp. "We have to move now."

Matthew nodded, grabbing his coat. "Let's go."

Claire and Matthew strode into the police station with purpose. The officer at the front desk barely had time to look up before Claire spoke.

"I want to reopen the case of my parents' deaths from three years ago," Claire stated, her voice steady but firm. "That includes the accident I was in."

The officer frowned. "Ma'am, that's not within my authority-"

Claire's eyes darkened. "Then I want to speak to a detective. I have evidence."

The officer hesitated, studying her face. Claire Peterson wasn't someone to be dismissed lightly. With a short nod, he motioned toward the staircase. "Detective Harris is upstairs, second floor. Room 203."

Claire didn't wait for further instructions. She turned and headed up the stairs, Matthew right behind her.

Reaching Room 203, Claire knocked twice.

"Come in," a deep voice responded.

Claire pushed open the door, stepping inside. Detective Harris, a gruff-looking man in his late forties with a sharp gaze, sat behind his desk, files scattered in front of him. He raised an eyebrow at the two visitors.

"Miss Peterson," he greeted, recognizing her. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Claire offered a polite nod before getting straight to the point. "I want to reopen the car crash case from three years ago. The Peterson family.”

Harris frowned. "Why now?"

"Because I have the evidence that proves who was behind it."

That caught his attention. He leaned forward, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Evidence?"

Claire pulled out the flash drive and held it up. "Everything is in here."

The detective studied her for a moment, then reached out and took the device. He inserted it into his laptop and clicked on the files.

Silence filled the room as he watched the footage, read through the financial records, and skimmed through the damning documents. His expression grew serious.

After a few minutes, he leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin. "This is... substantial."

Claire's voice was cold. "Robert needs to be arrested. Now."

Harris exhaled sharply. "This case has been cold for years. If what you're giving

me holds up, we can move on it immediately."

Claire slid another folder across the desk. "There's more. He wasn't just involved in my family's deaths. He's also been embezzling funds from Metacortex and engaging in@legal activities behind my back."

Harris flipped through the pages, nodding slowly. Then, he stood. "Alright. We'll move now."

Claire smirked. "I'll gladly drop you off at his location."

Claire, Matthew, Detective Harris, and another police officer entered VenusAMD. The moment they stepped into the lobby, the employees began whispering among themselves.

The CEO of Metacortex, accompanied by a detective and a police officer? This was not a casual visit.

Claire ignored the murmurs, walking straight to the elevators.

On the 20th floor, they headed for Robert's office. Claire didn't bother knocking- she pushed the door open.

Inside, Robert was tangled up with his secretary, their lips locked in a heated kiss.

Claire scoffed. "Of course."

Robert jerked away, looking utterly shocked. His secretary gasped, scrambling to fix her blouse before hastily leaving the room.

She crossed her arms over her chest and took a step forward. "Why am I not surprised seeing you having an affair? Does your wife know? I mean this is not the first right?"

Robert's face twisted in irritation as he straightened his tie. "What the hell, Claire? You can't just barge in here-"

The police officer beside Claire stepped forward. "Robert Robertson, you are under arrest for conspiracy in the deaths of the Peterson family and for illegal activities at Metacortex."

The color drained from Robert's face. "What?"

Claire crossed her arms, her expression unimpressed. "You heard him."

Robert's eyes darted to Claire, then to the detective. "This is ridiculous! You can't just—"

Harris cut him off. "We can. And we are."

Robert's hands clenched into fists. "This is a setup!" he hissed. "Claire, you bitch!

You did this, didn't you?"

Claire tilted her head, feigning

surprise. "Me? Oh, Robert, I wouldn't

l.ne

dream of it just happened to stumble upon some very interesting files. I have to say Robert, I am disappointed at you. Those three years of taking over Metacortex, you used it for doing illegal things? Really? I thought you are smarter than this. Who knows you are more stupid than Frank Potter."

The officers moved in, grabbing Robert by the arms. He struggled, but they were

stronger.

"You are making a mistake!" he shouted. "I'll have my lawyers on this! You'll regret this, Claire!"

Claire stepped closer, lowering her voice to a dangerous whisper. “No, Robert. You will."

She leaned back, watching as the officers restrained him. "Take him away."

The employees in the office whispered in hushed tones, their shock evident as

they witnessed Robert Langley being dragged out in handcuffs.

Claire turned to Matthew. "One snake down."

Matthew smirked. "And a few more to go."

Claire exhaled. This was just the beginning.

As Robert was led out of the building, Claire stood tall, watching him go.

She had won this battle.

But the war was far from over.