New beginning: Billionaire love story

Lisa's expression was a storm cloud as she glared at Claire. "I didn't mean to hurt Alexander!" she spat out, her voice rising. "He wasn't my target. You were!"

Claire folded her arms and tilted her head, unfazed. "Really, Lisa? So, why'd he end up in the hospital?"

Lisa's voice went up another notch, almost a shriek. "Because he got in the way! He saved you! It's your fault, not mine!"

Claire just shook her head, unimpressed by the outburst. "You're making zero sense."

With a flash of fury in her eyes, Lisa leaned forward, almost vibrating with rage. "You're so naive, Claire. You say you don't care about him, but then you go and save him. What kind of sense does that make?" She gave a bitter laugh, her lips curling into a smirk that was all teeth and no humor.

Claire's expression stayed cool. "I'm sane, that's the difference. Unlike you, Lisa."

Lisa's face twisted a dark look clouding her features. "I'm not crazy!" she shot back, nearly stumbling over her own words in her anger. "And you better believe that once I get out of here, I'll make you pay. You just got lucky, like always."

Claire slowly rose to her feet, a small, mocking smile creeping onto her lips. "You're right. I am lucky. But guess what?" She leaned in, her voice dropping to a taunting whisper. "I'll be seeing you in court."

Lisa's eyes went wide, the threat hitting her like a bucket of ice water. "W-what do you mean by court?" she stammered, the panic starting to seep into her voice.

But Claire was done talking. She spun on her heel and strode to the door, Matthew falling into step beside her. Before leaving, she glanced over her shoulder one last time. "You'll see." With that, she stepped out of the room, the door closing behind her with a firm click.

Outside, she turned to the guard stationed by the door, her tone all business. "Make sure she doesn't leave this room. Keep an eye on her."

The guard nodded, looking alert. "Yes, ma'am."

Claire nodded back and moved to the elevator, Matthew right beside her. As the doors slid shut, Matthew glanced at her, curiosity etched across his face. "So, what's the plan now?" "Contact my lawyer," Claire replied without missing a beat. "Set up a meeting for tomorrow."

Matthew nodded. "Got it. Anything else?"

"Yes," Claire added, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Send her back to her house. Make sure she thinks that all of this is just a dream and eventually. She will go crazy." her lips curl up into a smirk. "Understood."

The elevator doors slid open, and they stepped out. Claire made her way to her office, her mind spinning with everything that had happened. As she reached her desk, she noticed a few missed calls from Joan. Claire's brow furrowed. Matthew noticed the look on her face and walked to her desk. "Hey, what's wrong Claire?"

Claire looked up at Matthew. "I-" Before Claire could even answer, her phone rang, and Joan's name appeared on the screen.

She hesitated, her finger hovering over the phone, thinking if she should answer or ignore it, eventually she answered it.

Joan picked up on the second ring, her voice a mix of relief and tension. "Claire! Thank you for calling back."

"Hi, Joan," Claire greeted, her tone calm, though the memory of their last encounter still stung.

"I'm so glad you answered," Joan continued, her voice a little shaky. "I've been trying to reach you... I wanted to apologize for what happened at the hospital. I am really ashamed of myself. I apologize for accusing you of thinking that you caused Alexander's wound. "I'm really sorry, dear."

Claire's stomach twisted. She remembered the sharp sting of Joan's slap and the shock that had followed. She cleared her throat. "Joan, I-"

Joan cut her off as she sighed

heavily, the sound filled with regret.

"I'm so sorry, Claire. I didn't mean slap you like that. I was just... so emotional after finding out about I

Alexander's surgery. I panicked,

Claire nodded, though Joan couldn't see it. "I understand. You were worried. Anyone would've been."

"No," Joan pressed on, her voice thick with guilt. "It wasn't fair of me to blame you. I just... I didn't know what to think. Seeing you there, I just assumed-"

"Don't," Claire cut her off gently. "You don't have to explain. It's not your fault. You were just scared for Alexander. I get it."

Joan was quiet for a moment, then she let out a long breath. "Thank you for understanding. I still feel terrible."

Claire leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling. "Really, Joan. It's okay. You were just... reacting."

Joan seemed to gather herself, then said, "Alexander wants to talk to you."

Claire rolled her eyes, even though Joan couldn't see her. "I'm busy, Joan. I really can't right now," she said, her voice dripping with impatience. She wasn't actually busy, but the last thing she wanted

was to talk to Alexander.

"Please, Claire," Joan's voice sounded desperate. "He's been looking for you ever since he woke up. It's important."

Claire sighed, feeling a twinge of guilt. She hated when people begged. "Fine," she said reluctantly, "but I can only talk over the phone. I have a lot of work to do here at the office."

Joan let out a small sigh of relief. "Thank you, Claire. I'll hand the phone to him now."

Claire could hear some shuffling noises on the other end. She glanced up at Matthew, who was standing in front of her desk, his eyebrows raised in curiosity. He gave her a look that clearly said, Who is that? She mouthed back, "Joan."

Matthew nodded, but his eyes were still curious. Then, the line crackled, and she heard Alexander's voice.

"Claire," he said, his tone measured.noveldrama

"Alexander," she replied, keeping her voice casual and calm. She always tried not to show much emotion when talking to him. It was safer that way.

"How are you?" he asked, his voice smooth but with a hint of something she couldn't quite place.

"I'm fine," Claire answered simply.

"Have you gone to the doctor to treat your wound?" His voice tightened with concern, but it almost sounded like an accusation.

Claire clenched her jaw. "I said I'm

fine, you don't have to worry about me." she said a little more forcefully Before he could press further, she added, "What do you want to talk about? Is this something important? Cause I have a lot of things to do."

There was a pause on the other end. Then, Alexander's voice came back, colder now. "It's about Lisa."

The way he said Lisa's name was filled with so much anger.

"I've already taken care of it," Claire said, trying to sound calm. "You don't need to think about it."

Alexander couldn't help but feel curious. Claire always has her way and Alexander wanted to know about it. "What did you do to her?" "You will find out soon enough."

There was a long silence. Then, to her surprise, Alexander spoke softly. "I'm sorry, Claire."