New beginning: Billionaire love story

Andre adjusted the cuff of his tailored suit, exhaling slowly as he stared at his own reflection in the hotel room mirror. He had done things like this before, sneaking into places where he wasn't invited, but something about tonight felt different.

Maybe it was the grandeur of the event or the fact that he was walking straight into Claire Peterson's domain. Maybe it was the unshakable feeling that he was playing a role in a game far more dangerous than he understood.

Eligos had warned him to remain calm, to not let any nerves show. As long as he followed instructions, Eligos assured him there would be no issues. Andre had no choice but to trust him. He wasn't naive; he knew Eligos was pulling strings behind the scenes, orchestrating something beyond his grasp.

But why? Why go to such lengths to take revenge on Claire? And more importantly, what exactly did Claire do to warrant this level of animosity? It felt personal, an unresolved vendetta simmering beneath the surface. Andre had his questions, but tonight wasn't the time to ask them.

His phone vibrated. Checking the screen, he saw a message from Eligos.

There's a car waiting for you outside. Get in. No questions.

Andre pocketed his phone without replying and grabbed his coat. When he reached the entrance of the hotel, his steps faltered. Parked just outside was a sleek, black Cadillac, its polished surface gleaming under the dim streetlights. Andre couldn't deny he was impressed. Whatever Eligos was planning, he had resources and a lot of them. The realization made Andre slightly uneasy.

Sliding into the backseat, Andre glanced at the driver, but the man offered no greeting, simply nodding before pulling into traffic. Andre leaned back, watching the city lights blur past. He needed to focus. Whatever Eligos's reasons were, they didn't matter right now. His task was simple get in, blend with the crowd, and wait for further instructions.

Meanwhile, inside the hotel, Claire Peterson descended the elevator, her heels clicking softly against the polished marble floor. Earlier she did arrive early despite Alex being sarcastic and telling her that she was late but Claire excused herself again.

And the moment she stepped into the grand lobby where the event was being held, heads turned. Men stole appreciative glances, some subtle, others more obvious. Claire was used to it. Her presence demanded attention, but she had long since learned to ignore it.

Her dress, a deep black gown, clung to her figure in all the right places, its fabric flowing elegantly with each step. Her brunette hair was side-swept, revealing the graceful curve of her neck and the sharp line of her jaw. She walked with purpose, nodding politely at those she passed, maintaining an air of quiet confidence.

Across the room, Alexander Harris had been engaged in conversation, but the moment Claire stepped out of the elevator, his focus shifted entirely. He just noticed how stunning Claire is despite him talking to Claire a few minutes ago.

His eyes tracked her movements, admiring the effortless grace she carried. She was breathtaking, and he hated that he still noticed.

His grip tightened around the stem of his wine glass as he surveyed the room. Several men were already eyeing her with clear interest, their stares laced with hunger and intrigue. Alexander felt his jaw clench, but he forced himself to take a slow sip of his wine instead of reacting.

It was infuriating. But what could he do?

Claire wasn't his. She never would be again. And if he did something rash in public, it wouldn't end well for either of them.

Still, the jealousy simmered beneath his composed facade. He had no claim over her, yet the sight of her being admired by others left an uncomfortable tightness in his chest. He turned his attention back to his drink, downing the rest of the wine in a single gulp before setting the glass aside.

Just then, Christian, his business partner, appeared beside him, following his gaze.

"You look like you want to punch someone," Christian remarked with amusement. Alexander exhaled sharply. "That obvious?"

Christian chuckled. "You're staring at Claire like you want to drag her out of here and lock her in a tower." Alexander scoffed. "Ridiculous."

Christian smirked. "Is it? Because from where I'm standing, it looks a lot like jealousy."

"Have you drunk all the wine, Christian? Looks to me that you might be drunk."

Christian rolled his eyes. "Oh come on, Alex. You and I both know that you are attracted to Claire but she has a boyfriend and with your longing look like that, it won't look nice on the tabloid or guest." His best friend has a smirk etched on his face.

Alexander didn't reply, merely rolling his shoulders as he watched Claire speak with one of the investors. He had to remind himself that this wasn't personal-it was business.

Alexander finally approached Claire, setting his wine glass down on a passing waiter's tray.

"You're back. Where have you been?" he said casually, standing beside her.

Claire didn't even glance at him. "I left my phone in my room and while at it, I was in the middle of an important business call."noveldrama

"Of course. Claire Peterson, always busy and occupied."

She rolled her eyes at Alex's sarcastic response. "You always have to argue with me, don't you?"

He raised both of his hands up in a surrender way. "No, I was just joking. Lighten up will you?"

A cold look etched on her face as she hates joking in the middle of a business event. Alexander got the

memo as he cleared his throat. "Of course, l'apologize for making you uncomfortable?"

Outside, Eligos's car came to a slow stop across from the hotel entrance. He rolled down the tinted window slightly, watching as guests

continued to arrive. The hotel's net

name was still concealed behind a large drape, something Alexander Would likely unveil later in the night.

Eligos smirked to himself. An opportunity.

His attention shifted as he spotted Andre's car pulling up. He watched as Andre stepped out with a feigned confidence, his posture controlled but his eyes betraying his nerves." Eligos leaned back in his seat, satisfied. Andre was playing the role exactly as he had been instructed.

Eligos's ability to manipulate the

system never ceased to amaze even himself. Hacking into the security database, forging an invitation, ensuring Andre's face was clear in the digital registry-none of it had been simple, but Claire had underestimated him yet again. She constantly updated her systems, always attempting to outmaneuver unseen threats, yet here he was, slipping through the cracks with ease.

Eligos chuckled to himself.

They never saw it coming.

He almost felt sorry for her. Almost.

Eligos's driver glanced at him through the rearview mirror, awaiting further instructions.

"Park in front of the lobby," Eligos said smoothly. "I want to get a closer look."

As the car rolled forward, Eligos watched as Andre handed his invitation to security. The guard checked

the credentials, glanced at Andre's face, and, after a brief pause, nodded for him to enter.

A slow, satisfied grin spread across Eligos's lips.

And so, the game began.