New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 17 Discovering

Alex stood on his balcony at his penthouse, his phone pressed to his ear as he paced back and forth. Frustration and worry clouded his features as he tried to call Claire once again, knowing deep down that she wouldn't answer, Claire had blocked his number weeks ago, and the divorce hadn't changed that fact.

Sinking onto the couch, Alex let out a harsh sigh. The article about their divorce lingered in his mind, despite Christian's efforts to handle the media fallout. Lisa, noticing his distress, came over and sat next to him, her brow furrowing with concern "What's bothering you, Alex?" Lis asked softly.

Alex explained about the article and how it had left him feeling uneasy. "The Harris family has always been private. Such news about our personal lives shouldn't be plastered all over the internet," he said, frustration evident in his voice, Lisa Jeaned against his shoulder.

"Why is it such a big deal if people find out?"

"As I said, our lives needs to be private. Cause it can damaged our reputation and affect our stock market."

Lisa placed her hand on Alex cheek, offering comfort. "I understand, Alex But try not to let it consume you. Everything will be okay."

Back at the party, Claire spotted Gretta at the buffet table, her eyes narrowing slightly. Swallowing her annoyance, she approached Gretta with a friendly smile, deciding to address the issue head-on

"Hi, Gretta," Claire said with a smile, trying to keep her tone pleasant.

Gretta turned to her with a polite smile, unaware of Claire's inner turmoil. "Oh, hello, Claire. Lovely party, isn't it?"

"It is. You really did a good job preparing it."

"Oh, thank you, Claire. After all it is Mick's birthday and it have to be special."

Claire nodded, her eyes subtly glancing at the necklace around Gretta's neck. "Indeed. And that necklace you're wearing, it's stunning

Gretta's hand instinctively rose to touch the necklace, her smile glowing with pride under the bright lights. "Thank you, Claire. It's one of my favorites." her voice tinged with satisfaction

"If you don't mind me asking, where did you get it?"

"Oh, it is a gift from Robert."

"Where did Robert get it?"

H

Gretta shrugged nonchalantly, her smile unwavering "I'm not sure, to be honest, Robert has his ways."

Claire's eyes narrowed imperceptibly as she noted Gretta's subtle avoidance of eye contact.

Before Claire could delve deeper, three other women joined the conversation, showering Gretta with compliments about her party and, of course, her necklace. They inquired about the type of stone adorning the necklace. Gretta beamed proudly, her demeanor bordering on arrogance,ombination of ruby and sapphire," she declared confidently.

"It's a

Claire, who had been listening intently, couldn't help but scoff lightly. Gretta's head turned towards her, a hint of confusion in her expression as she asked if there was a problem.

With a composed smile, Claire leaned in slightly.

"Oh, no issue at all. It's just that this necklace isn't adorned with ruby and sapphire. It's actually a combination of Painite, Red Beryl, and Alexandrite. Three of the rarest gemstones in the world. I must say. Alexandrite stone often described as "emerald by day, ruby by night" while Painite only has less than 1000 in Myanmar."

The guests around them gasped in awe, impressed by Claire's knowledge and confident demeanor. Gretta's smile faltered slightly as she struggled to find a response.

Turning her attention back to Gretta, Claire crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "I'm surprised you don't know the stones in your own jewelry. Most women who own such exquisite pieces are quite familiar with them."

The three ladies who had joined the conversation nodded in agreement with Claire's observation, adding to Gretta's discomfort.

Claire's next words sent a chill down Gretta's spine. "Are you even the real owner of this jewelry?" she teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Gretta felt humiliated, her anger simmering beneath the surface as she wished for Claire to disappear from the party.

"I'm just joking. Of course, Gretta is the owner. She's too rich to care about such stone"

The other ladies joined in Claire's laughter, easing the tension in the air.

"Who are you, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I'm Claire Peterson."

"Oh...you are the new CEO of the Metacortex corporation, aren't you?

Claire nodded her head. "I wouldn't say new but in short yes."

"My husband told me about it."

For a minute, Gretta existence was being forgotten as they were caught up in a conversation until Claire excused herself gracefully, leaving Gretta feeling a mix of relief and lingering embarrassment.

As Claire walked away, a self-satisfied smirk played on her lips. She enjoyed wielding her wit and charm to stir up reactions, even if it meant momentarily unsettling others.

Gretta, still feeling the sting of Claire's teasing, gripped the plate she held tightly in her hands. Her gaze followed Claire's retreating figure with a simmering anger in her eyes. She couldn't shake the desire for Claire to disappear from their social circle, her presence now a thorn in Gretta's side.

She has confirm her suspicions. That necklace indeed belongs to her mother.

One question that came to mind, how did Gretta gets her hands on that necklace.

As she remembers correctly that necldace reside at her family house. Claire can't help thinking about the house.

She was too caught up in her work and company and trying to take what's hers that she actually forgot about her family house.

Claire sighed as she made a mental note to visit the house.

As she was making her way to her table, she was stopped in her tracks by a guy named Dennis. He seemed to know her, but Claire couldn't recall ever meeting him before.

Dennis had a charming demeanor, with dirty blonde hair and 5'9 feet tall. Claire observed him carefully as he introduced himself.

"Hello, I'm Dennis Anderson," he said with a smile.

"Claire Peterson."

"I know. So, you really came back, huh?"

"Shocking, huh? How do you know me again?"

"We actually met twice a few years ago."

Claire raised an eyebrow, trying to place him. "We did? I'm sorry, I don't seem to remember."

Dennis chuckled. "No worries, it's been a while. I'm actually Robert Robertson's nephew."

Recognition flickered in Claire's eyes. "Ah, I see. Nice to meet you again, Dennis "This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org: ©.

As Claire turned to leave, Dennis mentioned something that caught her attention.

"By the way, Claire, I heard about your parents' house," Dennis said casually.

Claire stopped in her tracks; her curiosity piqued. "What about it?"

Dennis continued, "Why did you sold the house?

Claire's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Sold? What are you talking about? That can't be right. I never sold that house."

Dennis looked puzzled. "My dad works as a real estate agent, and he mentioned that the house was sold."

Claire's mind raced as she tried to make sense of the situation.

"That house is very dear to me. I would never sell it."

"Then if you didn't sell it who did?"

Claire felt a mix of frustration and concern. If someone had sold her parents house without her knowledge or consent, it was a serious matter.

"Tell me again, Dennis. What do you know?"

- Special Halloween Treat More Coina, More Thrills!