New beginning: Billionaire love story

Claire sat in her small, cluttered office, the soft clattering of her keyboard echoing through the quiet room. She had been working diligently all morning, her mind focused on finishing a report.

But suddenly, her thoughts began to drift as she stared blankly at her computer screen. The memory of Adrian visiting her last night flashed in her mind. He had shown up at her door, completely unannounced, holding a bag of takeout from her favorite restaurant. "Thought you could use some dinner," he had said, offering a warm smile as he handed her the food.

It was such a sweet gesture, one that completely caught her off guard. Claire couldn't help but feel touched. No one had ever done that for her before. Sure, she had friends, but this felt different-more personal. The way Adrian had looked at her, his eyes soft, his smile genuine-it made her heart skip a beat.

Before she could dwell too much on it, her phone rang, snapping her out of her daydream. Claire jumped a little, fumbling to grab the phone from her desk.

"Hello?" she said, trying to sound professional, but her mind was still lingering on Adrian.

It was her lawyer. "Claire, just wanted to update you the trial will continue tomorrow morning."

Claire let out a long sigh, her mood instantly dropping. "Great," she muttered sarcastically. "Well, let's make sure we're prepared, alright? I want this to be the last time we're in court. I've had enough of these delays. My goal is to see Lisa get sentenced. I am done with all the back-and-forth."

"I understand," her lawyer replied. "I'll make sure everything is ready. Hopefully, tomorrow will be our last trial."

Claire nodded even though he couldn't see her. "Thanks," she said before hanging up. She leaned back in her chair, her eyes drifting to the ceiling. Her mind wandered again, this time to Lisa. What was she doing now? Was she feeling as stressed as Claire was? Did she even care about the trial? Claire shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away. She didn't want to waste another second thinking about Lisa. But it was hard not to.

Meanwhile, at Harris Company, Alexander sat in his sleek office, the tension in the air thick as ever. He was seated behind his massive, mahogany desk, staring down a familiar face across from him. Claudia Wright sat there with her usual easygoing smile, arms crossed confidently over her chest. Despite the relaxed pose, there was an unmistakable glint in her eyes, one that told Alexander this was more than just a friendly visit.

"What do you want now, Claudia?" Alexander asked, his patience already wearing thin. He leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing at her. "We've already discussed the profits you'll be getting. What more could you possibly want?"

Claudia gave a slow shrug, still smiling. "Oh, I know we've talked about it," she said casually, "but we haven't written anything down, have we? There's no contract yet. No signatures."

Alexander rolled his eyes, not bothering to hide his irritation. "A contract? Really? You could've called me. Told me over the phone, and I'd have had one drawn up. Hell, I could've emailed it with my signature on it. Why come all the way here?"

Claudia shook her head, clearly enjoying this. "Oh no, darling. I prefer to do business in person." She reached into her bag and pulled out a neatly folded document, sliding it across the desk toward him. "I've already prepared the contract. All you need to do is sign it." Alexander eyed the paper with suspicion. "And why should I trust that you haven't thrown in some sneaky loophole or two, huh? You've got a reputation for that."

Claudia raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "Alexander, please. Do you really think I'd pull something like that? All I'm asking for is my fair share-40%, just like we agreed."noveldrama

He picked up the document and flipped through the pages, taking his time to read every line. He wasn't about to be fooled by her, not after everything they'd been through in the past. "I don't care if we're partners, I've got to be sure you didn't add anything extra." Claudia huffed, rolling her eyes. "For heaven's sake, Alexander. There's nothing extra. No hidden tricks. I don't need to play games. I just want what I'm owed. That's all."

Alexander glanced up from the document, their eyes meeting in a silent standoff. There was a seriousness in both of their gazes, the kind that only came when both sides knew they were playing for keeps. Finally, Alexander sighed and grabbed the pen from his desk. "Fine," he muttered, signing his name with a quick flick of the wrist. "But don't pull any stupid stuff, Claudia. I mean it."

Claudia smirked, suppressing the

full grin that threatened to spread

across her face. She stood up, taking the signed contract and slipping it into her bag. "Oh, come on, Alexander. When have I ever pulled stupid stuff?" She flashed him

a smile that said more than words ever could.

Alexander just gave her a look, one that said he wasn't buying her innocent act for a second. "Just... don't."

Claudia chuckled softly, her heels clicking against the floor as she made her way to the door. "Thanks for the cooperation, Alexander. I knew you'd come around. You know I think we should have a celebratory dinner to celebrate this successful business deal." Alexander still has that frown on his face. "Being in your presence is already suffocating enough don't suggest any more ideas."

She chuckled lightly. "I was just being a good business partner. After all our company has worked together for years."

"Just...go, Claudia. I have a lot of work to do."

""Au revoir."

He watched her leave, his gut still telling him that trusting Claudia was never a good idea, but the deal was done. For now, at least, it seemed like they were on the same page. He just hoped she wouldn't come back asking for more.

As the door closed behind her,

Alexander sat back in his chair,

rubbing his temples. He knew better

than to think things with Claudia would ever be simple. Nothing about their business relationship had been simple from the start. But at least, for the time being, the contract was signed, and he could move on to the next headache on his list.

And knowing Claudia, there would be another one soon enough.

Claudia slid into the back seat of her Rolls Royce, the soft leather welcoming her like an old friend. She tossed the freshly signed contract next to her seat and let out a small, satisfied smirk. Her fingers drummed lightly on her thighs as she leaned back, her eyes sparkling with victory.

"That was too easy," she muttered to herself, still feeling the thrill of the moment. She could hardly believe how smoothly everything had gone. Alexander was even more gullible than she thought. "Driver, take me Harrods."

"Of course, miss."

"I deserve to have some fun before starting the plan," she muttered to herself as she poured a glass of champagne.