New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 38 Congratulations

"£300,000,000," Claire calling out.

The bids escalated rapidly as both Alex and Claire, fueled by determination and perhaps a touch of competitiveness, continued to raise

the stakes.

Alex rose again, this time to £678,000,000.

Claire turned and spotted Alex sitting 4 rows from behind. She scoffed in disbelief and Alex smirked as he gazed into her eyes.

"£750,000,000.

The collective gasp from the crowd was palpable as the bidding war between bidder number 32 (Claire) and bidder number 67 (Alex) intensified.

"Woah the stakes are getting higher and higher. It's like watching Liverpool vs Arsenal."

The guest chuckled at the jokes but still focusing their attention on Alex and Claire.

The tension in the room was palpable.

Claire drummed her finger anxiously on her thigh hoping that Alex to not continue to bid.

The room was silent, not even a breath could be hear.

Just when it seemed like Claire might accept defeat, the host paused dramatically. "Going once, going twice..." he began, drawing out the suspense.

Claire's heart raced as she waited for the final call, but then the host added, "The Ferrari F40 is sold to bidder number 32!"

The room erupted into applause as Claire jumped from her seat, a wide grin spreading across her face. She hugged Matthew tightly, her excitement obvious. The crowd's applause only added to the celebratory atmosphere.

Lisa, seated next to Alex, couldn't help but frown at him. "Why didn't you keep bidding? You clearly have the money," she remarked, curious about Alex's sudden hesitation Alex shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I did it on purpose, to raise the stakes," he admitted with a playful smirk.

Lisa chuckled, seeing through Alex's competitive strategy. "Well, Claire certainly looks thrilled with her new car."

Alex nodded, watching Claire with a mixture of amusement and satisfaction.

He could indeed afford to bid much higher, even £900,000,000 or more for the Ferrari F40, but for some inexplicable reason, he had. held back and let Claire win. Despite the competitive nature of the auction and his initial desire to bid, seeing Claire's joyous expression somehow brought a smile.

to his own face.

The evening was aglow with the excitement of the auction, and Claire's spirits soared as she finalized the purchase of her Porsche and Ferrari

She couldn't help but sigh happily as she made her way out after completing the transaction.

"Well, Claire, looks like you've outdone yourself this time" he remarked, his tone teasing.

Claire chuckled, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction. "What can I say? Being a billionaire has its perks."

Matthew raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "But spending this much on a car?"

Claire smicked, playing along with the banter, "It's all about the lifestyle, Matthew. And besides, owning classic cars is a part of my investment portfolio." Curiosity piqued, Matthew asked, "So, what are you going to do with these beauties?"

Claire's gaze drifted thoughtfully. "I'll have them parked in the basement of my penthouse. A Porsche and a Ferrari, a perfect duo."

As they continued their conversation, Matthew's curiosity got the best of hitn. "By the way, who were you bidding against for that Ferrari? It seemed like a competitive bid." Claire's smirk turned into a knowing smile. "That would be Alexander Harris."

Matthew's eyes widened in surprise. "The Alexander Harris?"

Claire nodded.

"The one who wanted to have a meeting with you?"Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Claire nodded again.

"How did you know it was him?"

Claire chuckled softly. "Oh, I know that voice from anywhere. Anyway, I'll be right back."

Excusing herself, Claire made her way to the ladies' room to freshen up. As she touched up her makeup, she heard the door open and none other than Lisa walked in. Claire resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the sight of her old best friend but focused on her reflection instead.

Lisa, always one to make her presence known, sidled up to the sink next to Claire and began reapplying her lipstick.

"So, Claire, lucky win with the Ferrari, huh?" Lisa remarked casually, her tone tinged with a hint of jealousy.

Claire remained composed but couldn't help but respond. "Luck had nothing to do with it. I simply know what I want."

"For your information, Alex wasn't even interested in the car. He was just playing around to drive up the price." Lisa persisted; her words laced with skepticism.

Claire turned to face Lisa directly, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Do you even know your own boyfriend, Lisa? The Ferrari F40 is every rich man's dream. It's not about playing games; it's about owning a piece of history."

With that, Claire exited the ladies' room and headed back to the auction area. However, she was taken aback when she found Alex standing in front of her

Crossing her arms over her chest, Claire looked up at Alex with a sarcastic smile. "Well, well, looks like you've mistaken me for someone else. I'm not Lisa, in case you forgot."

"I know exactly who you are, Claire. And congratulations on winning the Ferrari F40."

Claire scoffed in disbelief; her demeanor cool. "Are you possessed?"

"What do you mean?"

"You are here congratulating me? Did I hear that wrong? Cause I'm sure Lisa would have a heart attack if she found out you were congratulating me."

Alex rolled his eyes. "Why were you so keen to buy the Ferrari?"

"Why did you let me win so easily?" Claire lips curl up into a smirk.

Each of them gazes at each other eyes with unreadable emotion.

With a final glance back at Alex, Claire couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and annoyance at the turn of events.

Claire couldn't tell if Alex is in a good mood, or someone has simply taken over his body. But all in all, Claire is satisfied with today's

result.

Alone in his study, Robert paced back and forth in his study, his expression tense as he held his phone to his ear.

"What do you mean our account has been frozen?" Robert's voice was sharp, laced with frustration.

move an

any of the money,"

His associate explained the situation. "Someone has put a hold on our account. We can't m Robert sighed harshly, his mind racing to find a solution. "Damn it. We need to find a way around this. Have you tried anything yet?" His associate besitated before responding "I was thinking of spreading the money to different accounts, taking a longer route to avoid suspicion."

Robert considered the suggestion for a moment. "Yes, that might work. Do it discreetly, and make sure no one catches wind of our movements."

There was a brief pause before his associate spoke again. "Robert, there's something else."

"What?"

"The grave of Mary and Hector Peterson has been disturbed. Someone has removed their grave." Robert's brow furrowed in confusion. Chapter 30 Congrinitatiana

"Who did it? and where is the graveyard now?

"I don't have the exact location yet, but I'm working on it. I'll find out more," his associate assured him

"Good. Keep me updated," Robert instructed before ending the call.

Robert's thoughts raced. The frozen account was a significant setback, and the news about the Petersons' grave only added to his linease

"Could Claire be behind this?"

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