New beginning: Billionaire love story

Claire was surrounded by the buzz of activity in the robotics lab, where the team was working tirelessly. She moved around, checking on each member and occasionally rolling up her sleeves to help out. The team was small, and with Abigail absent, they were stretched

thin. Still, Claire couldn't help but feel proud as they showed her a demo of the robot.

"This is amazing," she said, her eyes lighting up as the robot performed its programmed tasks flawlessly. "You guys have done incredible work, especially with such a small team."

One of the engineers grinned. "Thanks, Ms. Peterson! We really pushed hard to get this ready. Abigail's absence was tough, but we managed."

Claire nodded. "You really did. She'll be impressed when she sees this."

After a few more words of encouragement, Claire left the lab and headed to her office to meet with her lawyers. It was time to deal with Lisa's case. She'd asked Matthew to compile all the evidence of Lisa's wrongdoings into one neat folder, and he'd done an excellent job. The lawyer, a sharp-eyed man named David, flipped through the documents.

"So, Claire, do you want us to send her a notification or an email?" David asked, glancing up.

Claire shook her head, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "No, I want it to be a surprise. She won't know what's coming."

David chuckled. "I like your style. We'll take care of it. Everything's in order, so it shouldn't take long."

They discussed a few more details before David left. Claire returned to her desk, where a mountain of paperwork waited for her. She let out a dramatic sigh, staring at the piles with a frown.

"Seriously, what's with this workload?" she muttered to herself. "I take one day off, and it's like the paper fairy had a party on my desk."

Just as she was about to dive in, there was a knock on her office door. It was Sandra, her secretary, holding another file.

"Ms. Peterson, this is for tomorrow's meeting," Sandra said, placing the folder on the already crowded desk.

Claire picked up the file and flipped through it. "Thanks, Sandra. Looks like I'll be pulling an all-nighter."

Sandra gave her a sympathetic smile. "Don't work too hard. I'm heading home now. Try to get some rest, okay?"

"I'll try," Claire replied, though she wasn't too hopeful.

As Sandra left, the office started to empty out. Soon, it was just Claire, her desk lamp, and the endless sea of paperwork. She stretched, feeling the tension in her back and shoulders, and took a short break to watch the robot demo video again. It was a good distraction. Before she knew it, it was 1:30 AM. Claire leaned back in her chair, exhausted but satisfied that she'd made a dent in the pile. She decided it was finally time to call it a night. Grabbing her things, she headed down to the lobby, only to realize she'd forgotten to call her driver.

"Ugh, seriously, Claire?" she groaned, rubbing her temples. "How can I be so forgetful?"

With no other option, she pulled out her phone to call a cab. But just as she was about to dial, a sleek black car pulled up in front of the building. Claire frowned, wondering who could possibly be visiting at this hour. The car door opened, and out stepped Alexander, looking as polished and confident as ever.

"Alexander?" Claire asked, folding her arms. "What are you doing here?"

Alexander smiled, that annoyingly charming smile that always seemed to annoy and intrigue her in equal measure. "I wanted to see how the robot's development is going. I figured I'd catch you before you left."

Claire narrowed her eyes. "You know you can come by tomorrow during normal hours, right? It's almost 2 AM."

He shrugged. "I'll be busy tomorrow. And you only have a week left to finalize this project."

His tone was all business, and it made Claire's annoyance spike. "I'll send you the video if you're so worried about it."

Alexander ignored her irritation. "Why aren't you home yet, anyway?"

Claire sighed, feeling her frustration grow. "I had work to finish. What's it to you?"

He glanced around the empty lobby. "Where's your driver?"

She rolled her eyes. "I forgot to call him, okay? I was about to get a cab."

Alexander's expression softened a little. "Let me give you a ride."

Claire crossed her arms tighter. "No thanks. I can manage."

But Alexander wasn't taking no for an answer. "Come on, Claire. It's late, and it's not safe to be out here alone."

They stood there, staring each other down. Claire's glare could have melted steel, but Alexander just looked at her with that calm, persistent look he always had. Finally, she huffed and threw her hands up. "Fine! But only because I don't want to wait for a cab in the middle of the night."

Alexander smirked in triumph, opening the car door for her. "Glad you see it my way."

Claire got into the car, muttering under her breath. "Smug jerk."

As they both settled inside the car, Alexander couldn't help but keep sneaking glances at Claire. She, on the other hand, stared out of the

window, her expression diet the

After a few moments of silence, Alexander cleared his throat and finally spoke up.

"I saw you at the Royal Ascot the other day," he said, trying to sound casual but failing miserably.

Claire didn't even bother looking at him. "And?"

Alexander frowned, not expecting such a blunt response. "And... I saw you with Adrian," he continued, his voice holding a hint of jealousy.

Claire turned to him, raising her eyebrows. "So?"

"So... why were you with him?" Alexander asked, his frustration growing. He hated how calm and unaffected she seemed.

"It's none of your business who I hang out with, Alexander," she said, her tone cold. "Who I see, who I talk to - that's my choice."

Alexander opened his mouth to argue, but before he could say anything, two cars screeched to a stop right in front of them. The sudden movement made both of them jerk forward as Alexander slammed on the brakes. "What the heck!" Alexander muttered angrily, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. Four men jumped out of the cars, heading straight for them. Alexander's eyes narrowed, his temper flaring. "Who the hell are they?"

Before Claire could say anything, Alexander flung open the car door, his jaw set with determination. Claire quickly reached out, grabbing his arm.

"Alex, just drive away," she urged, her voice tense. "Don't get out."

But Alexander shook off her hand, too stubborn to listen. He stepped out, his stance aggressive as he faced the group. "What's your problem?" he demanded, his voice loud and challenging.

One of the men, tall and muscular, stepped forward. "We're here to talk to Claire," he said, his tone calm but menacing. "Not you. Hand her over, and no one gets hurt."

Alexander scoffed, his anger boiling over. "Like hell I will! Get lost before I make you."

Claire, still inside the car, overheard everything. She felt her heart race as she watched the confrontation unfold. Without thinking, she flung open the door and stepped out, her eyes blazing. "If it's me you want, here I am!" she shouted, drawing all eyes to her. Alexander spun around, glaring at her.

"Claire, get back in the car!" he barked, his voice edged with fear and frustration.

But Claire ignored him, taking a step forward. "I'm not going anywhere. This is between me and them."

The men smirked, clearly amused by her bravery. "Smart girl," one of them said. "This'll be easier if you just come with us."

But Claire wasn't about to go quietly.

Before anyone could react, she lunged at the nearest guy, catching him off guard. Her fist connected with his jaw, and he staggered back, more surprised than hurt. The others quickly closed in, but Claire was ready. She kicked out, landing a blow on another guy's knee, sending him to the ground. noveldrama

"Damn it, Claire!" Alexander yelled, jumping into the fray. He swung at one of the men, landing a solid punch, but was quickly grabbed from behind. He struggled, kicking out and breaking free.

The fight was chaotic, fists flying

everywhere Claire dodged a punch, then swung her arm, knocking a guy off balance. But there were too many of them, and they were closing in. One of the men grabbed her from behind, and she struggled, twisting to break free.

"Watch out!" Alexander shouted suddenly, his voice filled with urgency.