New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex)

Chapter 32 They're friends

As Liz pulled away the cover, revealing the painting beneath, a collective gasp of admiration swept through the room.

The artwork was indeed breathtaking, capturing the essence of beauty and emotion in its strokes and colors. Applause filled the air. mingled with whispers of praise for Mary's talent. Among the guests, Claire couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and joy. She had seen this very painting just two days ago at the art club

when Liz gave her a tour.

Witnessing the guests' genuine appreciation and the murmur of compliments brought a soft smile to Claire's lips.

People around her complimented Mary's painting. She is grateful that Liz decided to showcase her mum's beautiful artwork.

Deep down, Claire can't help but feel a little sad. She wish her mum's with her to witness this moment. She knows her mum would have love it especially heating all the compliments.

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears of happiness, but she quickly blinked them away, not wanting to draw attention to her emotions.

Matthew, who had been observing Claire's reaction, noticed her teary eyes. He place aa reassuring hand on her shoulder. With a warm smile, he whispered, "Your mother's painting is very beautiful. I know she is proud of you, Claire" Claire nodded, grateful for Matthew's understanding gesture. "Thanks, Matt. Her painting is beautiful indeed." she replied softly.

Claire joined in the applause, genuinely admiring the painting, and feeling a sense of pride for her mum.

Once the auction concluded and guests began to mingle, Alex approached Liz to discuss the payment for the auctioned painting. Liz expressed her gratitude to Alex for his generous bid, acknowledging his appreciation for art. "Thank you for supporting our art club." Liz said with a warm smile as she shook hands with Alex, finalizing the deal.

Alex nodded in appreciation. "I have a deep appreciation for art,"

With a firm handshake, the deal was settled to both parties satisfaction. Alex excused himself and made his way to the bustling hall, intending to meet with Lisa, however a certain someone caught his attention. The woman in a red dress stood facing a painting by Mary Peterson.

Alex's gaze lingered on her back. He hesitated, unsure if he should approach her, but curiosity nagged at him, prompting him to take a step closer.

"The painting is captivating, isn't it?"

The woman turned slightly at his words; Alex's breath caught in his throat.

Turns out, Alex eyes didn't play a trick on him. The woman he saw earlier was indeed Claire, but he lost sight of her.

"Claire?" Alex's voice held a mix of surprise and realization. "What are you doing here?"

Claire maintained a composed facade, though inwardly, she was taken aback by the unexpected encounter. "I could ask you the same thing." she replied evenly, her eyes assessing Alex with a hint of curiosity. "Are you following me again? I can't believe this."

"Wait...me following you? You got to be kidding me.'

Their exchange underlying with tension.

"I was here for the auction not you." Alex said his tone was firm.

Realization dawned on Claire as his voice remind her of the man bidding Annalise painting.

"Are you the man who bid on Annalise painting?" Claire asked incredulously.

"And you were the one bidding against me for her painting." He stated, a note of recognition coloring his words.

Claire scoffed in disbelief, "I can't believe I let you win "

Feeling taken aback, Alex argue. "Excuse me? You let me win? First of all, you did not let me win, second, I have much more money than you

Their gazes shooting icy glares at each other. It was a familiar dance of hatred that seemed to replay every

timen

they crossed paths.

Claire's

's anger simmered as she prepared to launch into a heated argument with Alex, but then she caught hersell. This event was

dedicated to her mother's memory, and she couldn't tarnish it with unnecessary drama.

Taking a deep breath, Claire closed her eyes briefly before opening them with a calm demeanor

"Fine, Allex. Do whatever you want. I don't care," she stated flatly, her voice devoid of the usual edge it carried in their interactions.

Alex was taken aback by Claire's sudden calmness, but before he could respond, she turned and walked away, leaving him with a mix of frustration and bewilderment. Meanwhile, Claire approached Anna White, a famous actress, who was admiring one of the paintings

"Anna, it's so wonderful to see you here," Claire said genuinely, extending a hand.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Anna returned the smile, her eyes sparkling with appreciation. "Claire, thank you for inviting me. This event is beautiful."

They exchanged a hug, and Claire expressed her gratitude for Anna's presence at the charity event. Anna waved off the thanks, acknowledging Claire's role in her career. "It's an honor to be invited by someone like you, Claire Peterson,"

"Oh, it's nothing. Anna. 1 just do what feels right."

As they spoke leisurely, Lisa approached them eagerly, calling out Anna's name.

"Anna White! Oh, my goodness, I'm such a big fan!" Lisa exclaimed; her enthusiasm palpable.

Thank you so much. I appreciate your support."

Lisa's eyes widened in surprise as she recognized Claire standing with Anna. Her initial excitement dimmed slightly, replaced by a forced calmness.

You know, Anna, you should be careful who you associate with. Some people can tarnish your image, especially mean girls like her,"

Lisa gestured towards Claire; her words laced with thinly veiled disdain.

Claire couldn't help but roll her eyes at Lisa's attempt to stir the pot. She remained composed, curious to hear what else Lisa had to

say.

"Oh, really?

"Yes, Anna, you should surround yourself with educated and kind people. Like me for example"

Claire couldn't help but chuckled.

Lisa turned to her frowning as she felt offended by Claire.

"What's so funny?"

"When you say educated and kind, does a homewrecker included?"

Lisa glared at Claire and turned to Anna.

*This is what I mean. A girl like her can only sprouting lies."

Anna who can sees passed Lisa chimed in.

"I'm sorry but what you said earlier contradict with your current behavior. My friend and I really have to go, it's really nice to see you Lisa, have a good night."

Anna and Claire walked away leaving Lisa standing alone looking like a lost puppy.

Her purpose to ask Anna for a photo and autograph went down the rabbit hole. She blamed Claire for causing this. Lisa stormed out of the event, balling her fist up in anger. She can't believe that she lost to Claire again. Alex, who noticed her girlfriend, caught up to her.

"Lisa?"

ed to hi

Lisa turned to him face red with humiliation.

"Are you okay?"

"No! I'm not okay. Claire she is here a-and she ruin my chance with Anna White."

"What did she do?"

"She humillates me again, Alex. Lean't stand this anymore." Lisa started crying which make Alex embrace her to soother her crying

Chapter 32 They're trends.

"Turns out Anna is friend with Claire."

"What? They're friends?"

Lisa nodded as she continue to sobbed.

Alex can't help but remember Liz words.

"Anna White is here because the event organizer is friends with her."