New beginning: Billionaire love story

Claire stood frozen in the middle of the ballroom, the festive hum of conversation and laughter swirling around her, distant and surreal.

The weight of Andre's revelation pressed on her chest like a vise. Her mind felt like it was splitting apart, torn between the world she knew and the world that had just been thrust upon her. She swallowed hard, her throat tight, her heart pounding painfully against her ribs.

Adrian's hand rested gently on the small of her back, grounding her. "Claire, let's step outside for a moment," he whispered, his voice soothing, but filled with worry.

She nodded faintly, allowing him to guide her through the crowd. Their exit was seamless, a whisper of movement unnoticed by most of the guests. Once they reached the balcony, the crisp winter air bit into her skin, jolting her out her stupor.

"I-I can't believe what is happening? Am I dreaming? Was that a prank?" Claire asks in a slightly panic tone and disbelief.

She leaned against the cold stone railing, inhaling deeply. The night sky stretched above them, vast and speckled with stars, an indifferent witness to her turmoil.

Adrian stood beside her, his eyes searching her face. "Claire, calm down. Don't panic. Let's figure this put together, okay?" he said softly.

She closed her eyes briefly, then turned to him, her expression conflicted. "How could this happen, Adrian? How could my father keep something like this from me? A brother?" The word tasted foreign on her tongue, unfamiliar and unwelcome.

Adrian's jaw tightened. "I don't know, but you can't blame yourself for this. You didn't know."

"But that's the problem," she said, her voice trembling. "I didn't know. How many other secrets are buried

in my past? How much of what I believed about my family is a lie?"

He stepped closer, cupping her cheek with his hand. "You're not responsible for your father's choices. What matters is who you are now, the life you've built, and the people who care about you."

She leaned into his touch, drawing a shaky breath. "Andre was so angry. I could see the pain in his eyes. And I don't know how to fix this."

"Maybe fixing it isn't the answer," Adrian said carefully. "Sometimes, understanding and acceptance are more realistic. You don't have to solve everything tonight."

She nodded, though the knot in her chest remained. "You're right. I need time to process this."

Just then, Sandra stepped onto the balcony, her face lined with worry. "Claire, is everything okay? Some of the guests are starting to wonder where you are."

Claire straightened, brushing a hand through her hair. She took a deep breath and forced a calm smile onto her face. "I'll be right there, Sandra. Thank you."

Sandra hesitated for a moment, then nodded and disappeared back inside.

Adrian squeezed Claire's hand. "Are you sure you want to go back in? We can leave if you want."

"No," she said firmly. "I'm not letting this ruin the night. Mr. Saint Laurent entrusted me with this party, and I won't let him down."

She took another deep breath, her spine straightening. She was Claire Peterson, and she wouldn't be thrown off course by this revelation - not tonight.

The warmth of the ballroom enveloped them as they returned. The soft glow of the chandeliers, the twinkling lights adorning the grand Christmas tree, and the gentle melody of a string quartet filled the air. Claire plastered on her best smile, greeting guests with the poise they expected from her.

Mr. Saint Laurent noticed her return and approached with a beaming smile. "There you are, my dear! The party has been a tremendous success. You've outdone yourself."

Claire smiled, though it felt like a mask. "Thank you, Mr. Saint Laurent. I'm glad you're pleased."

He leaned in, his voice low and affectionate. "I knew you could do it. You're stronger than you realize."

His words settled into her heart, a small balm to the chaos inside her. She nodded, squeezing his hand. "Thank you."noveldrama

From across the room, Eligos

watched the scene unfold, a smug grin curling his lips. He could see the cracks forming beneath Claire's perfect facade. The confusion, the pain it was all there, hidden just beneath the surface.

He swirled the champagne in his glass, savoring the satisfaction of his plan unfolding. But he wasn't done yet. This was only the beginning of his psychological assault. He needed her distracted, vulnerable, off balance.

He took out his phone and dialed a number. Andre answered after a few rings, his voice shaky. "Yeah? How was it?"

"Good work. I'm impressed." Eligos said smoothly. "You did well for your first real task."

Andre's voice was tight. "Really? I don't know but somehow It didn't feel good. I feel bad for attacking her like that in front of her guest. She looked... lost and confused."

Eligos's eyes narrowed, his tone

sharpening. Don't grow a

conscience now. Remember why you're doing this. You want revenge, don't you? She is living a good life while you are struggling to even fulfill your daily meals and yet you still feel bad?"

Andre hesitated while scratching his head. "I mean half bad. Does it count?"

"Then stick with the plan. Don't feel bad about what you do. This is only step one. You'll get what you deserve trust me.” He ended the call abruptly, a dark satisfaction washing over him. Claire Peterson's world was about to unravel and he would be there to watch every glorious second.

Back in the ballroom, Claire tried to shake off the lingering unease. She moved through the crowd, smiling politely, exchanging pleasantries. Talia caught her eye and hurried over, her face bright with concern.

"Claire! Are you okay? I saw that guy talking to you earlier. Who was he?"

Claire's smile faltered, but she shook her head. "It's... complicated. I'll explain later."

Talia frowned. "Are you sure? You know I'm here if you need to talk."

Claire squeezed her arm. "I know. But let's just get through tonight."

Talia nodded reluctantly. "Okay. But I'm keeping an eye on you." Claire managed a small laugh. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

As the evening wore on, Claire leaned into the rhythm of the event. Conversations blurred together, and the hours passed in a haze. But even as she smiled and laughed, a dull ache throbbed in her chest. Eventually, as the party began to wind down, Adrian found her again. His eyes were soft as he wrapped

an arm around her waist. "You did it. The party was a success."

Claire let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "It was, wasn't it?"

He nodded, his gaze steady. "You're amazing, Claire."

She rested her head against his shoulder, finally allowing some of her exhaustion to show. "I couldn't have done it without you."

"You don't have to do anything alone," he whispered. "Remember that."

She nodded, the truth of his words sinking in. Whatever was coming next-whatever secrets and

challenges lay ahead - she knew she wouldn't face them alone.

But even as she clung to that thought, a chill crept up her spine. Somewhere, lurking in the shadows, Eligos was waiting. And she knew the battle was far from over.