New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 33 A successful night

Anna gently tugged on Claire's arm, leading her away from the crowd with a slight frown on her face.

"Claire, can I be honest with you?" Anna's voice was soft but serious.

Claire glanced at her friend, curious about what was on her mind. "Of course, Anna What's on your mind?"

"I don't like Lisa," Anna admitted, her expression turning sour. "She just seems so fake, always putting on a show. "

Claire chuckled lightly, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "I didn't realize you noticed that, Anna.

Anna raised an eyebrow. "You didn't think I would?"

wry smile on her lips. "I suppose I underestimated your observational skills, Anna. I guess being an actress

Claire shook her head, a wr has its own perks."

Curiosity glinted in Anna's eyes as she probed further. "What's the deal with you two, anyway?"

Claire let out a sigh, her expression growing serious. "It's a long story, Anna. But let's just say she's not exactly genuine. Always seeking attention and playing up to people's expectations and also a backstabbing friend. " Anna was taken aback by the revelation. "Oh, you are friend?"

"I wouldn't say friend per se, but we were in a way.

Anna nodded understandingly. "I get it. Well, whenever you're ready to share more, I'm all ears."

Claire smiled gratefully at her friend. "Thank you, Anna. One day, I'll fill you in on all the details."

Meanwhile, in a car, Alex sat beside Lisa, who was still visibly upset. She vented about her dislike for Claire, expressing her frustrations through tears. "I just can't stand her, Alex. She's always trying to one-up everyone." Alex listened attentively, though his mind was elsewhere. Despite Lisa's emotional outpouring, his thoughts kept circling back to Claire. It was almost as if he couldn't shake the image of her from his mind.

"Alex," Lisa called out, growing annoyed as she noticed his distracted state. "Are you even listening to me?"

Alex snapped back to attention, offering Lisa a reassuring smile "Sorry, babe. I was just thinking."

Lisa's eyes narrowed slightly expressing her skepticism. "About what?"

"Oh, just work stuff," Alex replied vaguely, not wanting to delve into the complexities of his thoughts about Claire.

As they continued their drive, Alex's mind raced with questions about Claire's sudden involvement in the charity event. He knew Claire

had never shown much interest in such affairs during their marriage. It was out of character for her to organize such an event, especially given her lack of knowledge about art and charitable causes.

"Why would Claire organize a charity event?" Alex muttered to himself, more to sort out his thoughts than to seek an answer from

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Lisa sighed, sensing Alex's distant demeanor. "Alex, are you sure everything's okay?"

Alex nodded quickly, fabricating a response to put Lisa's mind at ease. "Yes, yes, everything's fine. Just thinking about some work stuff."

If it is really Claire the event organizer, Alex couldn't shake the feeling that Claire was up to something. Her sudden involvement in the charity world seemed unexpected, and Alex couldn't help but wonder if it was part of a larger scheme to advance her own agenda. The charity event continued its lively course as Claire navigated through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and expressions of gratitude with other guest. Amidst the chatter and laughter, she spotted Liz

"Liz, I wanted to thank you for showcasing my mother's last painting tonight," Claire said warmly as she approached Liz, her eyes reflecting genuine appreciation.

Liz smiled warmly

y in return, her eyes twinkling with sincerity. "It's my pleasure, Claire. Your mother's art deserves to be celebrated. Claire's gaze shifted to the painting, a beautiful and poignant piece that held sentimental value for her. "I'm so grateful to you for honoring her legacy in such a meaningful way."

Liz reached out to place a hand on Claire's arm. "Claire, such paintings are meant to be shared and appreciated, not kept hidden away Please, take it as a token of our friendship and as a reminder of your mother's talent." Claire hesitated, touched by Liz's generosity but conflicted by the thought of taking the painting

"I appreciate the gesture, Liz, but I can't accept it. It's been the source of inspiration for the children in the club."

Liz nodded understandingly, but her eyes held a determined glint.

"I understand your concern, Claire. However, inspiration can come from various sources, not just a finished painting. The children will benefit greatly from the funds raised tonight, and this is the least I can do to thank you for your contributions to the club and the charity." Claire mulled over Liz's words, her heart torn between the children's needs and the sentimental value of the painting

"I'll have to think about it, Liz. It's a generous offer, but I want to make sure it's the right decision. I don't want to take something that meant a lot to the children."

Liz smiled warmly. "Of course, take your time. But know that the children and I will be very happy if you decide to take it."

Liz and Claire exchanged farewells, promising to catch up soon.

As Claire turned to leave, Matthew nudged her shoulder gently. "Today was a success, Claire. You did a great job.

Claire's smile widened at Matthew's words of praise. "Thank you, Matthew. And thank you for all your help. It wouldn't have been possible without you."

H

Matthew grinned, his eyes reflecting satisfaction "Anytime, Claire Let's celebrate the success of tonight's event."

Alex returned home from the charity event, his mind still mulling over his thoughts.

Despite the late hour, his curiosity gnawed at him like an itch he couldn't ignore. He settled into his study, the soft glow of lamplight casting a warm ambiance in the room.

Alex reached for his phone and dialed the number of his private investigator. The call was answered promptly.

"Hello, this is Alexander Harris. I need you to find out the anonymous event organizer for the charity art event tonight," Alex instructed, his tone firm yet tinged with curiosity.

The PI on the other end of the line listened attentively as Alex provided the necessary details, including the date and location of the event. With a promise to gather the information and get back to him, the call ended, leaving Alex to wait for the results. "Why are you hiding, Claire?"

Feeling mentally drained, Alex decided to retire to bed. As he ascended the stairs, he noticed Lisa sleeping peacefully in their bedroom. He climbed into bed beside her, hoping that sleep would offer some respite from his restless mind.

However, the night had other plans. Around 2 to 3 AM, Alex's phone suddenly rang, startling him from his slumber. Groggily, he answered the call, his mind struggling to fully wake up.

"Alex, I have the information you requested," the voice of his PI cut through the fog of sleep.

"Go ahead," Alex replied, his senses sharpening as he listened intently.

"The event organizer's name is Matthew Finnegan," the PI informed him, relaying the details of their findings.

Alex thanked the Pl and ended the call, his mind racing with new information. Relief washed over him as he realized that Claire wasn't behind the charity event.

However, a nagging uncertainty lingered in his thoughts.