New beginning: Billionaire love story

Eligos sat in his office, the dim light from his desk lamp casting long shadows across the room. His fingers drummed rhythmically on the polished wood as he schemed his next move.

The news that Claire would be traveling to Las Vegas for the Harris Hotel opening had reached him, and it presented a golden opportunity. Eligos smirked, the wheels in his mind turning rapidly. He wouldn't need to make an entrance himself-Andre would be his instrument, his puppet.

Revenge was a dish best-served cold, and Eligos was a master chef, meticulously planning every detail. He wouldn't stop until Claire Peterson admitted what she did to Allan. Her lies had ruined his family, and for that, she would pay dearly.

Eligos reached for his cell phone and dialed Andre's number. It rang twice before Andre picked up on the third ring.

"Hello?" Andre's voice was cautious, tinged with a hint of anxiety.

Eligos's smile widened as he spoke, his voice smooth and almost playful. "Andre."

Andre, back at his small, modest apartment, frowned, his grip tightening on the phone. Whenever Eligos called, it meant he wanted something. Andre knew better than to expect a casual chat. "Eligos. What can I do for you?"

Eligos leaned back in his chair, enjoying the power he held over the man on the other end of the line. "I have an assignment for you, Andre. You'll be traveling to Las Vegas."

"Vegas?" Andre's frown deepened, confusion lacing his words. "Why Vegas all of a sudden?"

Eligos chuckled softly. "Because Claire Peterson will be there, and you have a part to play. It's crucial that you're ready."

Andre swallowed hard, a lump forming in his throat. He knew better than to question Eligos, but the sense of dread was overwhelming. "What part do you need me to play?"

"All in good time," Eligos replied, his tone dismissive. "For now, what's important is that you prepare yourself. You'll need to act brave, Andre."

Bravery wasn't something Andre felt he could summon easily, especially when Eligos was involved. He could feel the weight of Eligos's expectations pressing down on him. "I... I understand," Andre murmured, though his voice lacked conviction.

Eligos's tone hardened, losing the playful edge. "You had better. This isn't just about you, Andre. If you fail me, it won't end well-for you or your mother."

Andre's heart sank. His mother's health had been the leverage Eligos used to keep him in line. The thought of her suffering because of his mistakes made him feel trapped. "I won't let you down."

"Good," Eligos said, his voice smooth once more. "I'll be in touch with the details soon. Remember, Andre, everything depends on you following through.'

The call ended abruptly, leaving Andre staring at the phone, his mind racing. He felt the walls closing in around him, the weight of Eligos's demands suffocating. His life had become a nightmare, and every decision he made seemed to tighten the chains that bound him to Eligos.

Back in his office, Eligos set the phone down, his smirk returning. He reveled in the control he wielded over Andre, knowing the man had little choice but to comply. Las Vegas would be the perfect stage for the next act in his plan. Claire wouldn't see it coming, and with Andre as his pawn, Eligos was confident everything would unfold as he desired.

Meanwhile, Andre sat on his worn couch, his head in his hands. He couldn't shake the feeling of regret that gnawed at him. Trusting Eligos had been a mistake, one he wished he could undo. But it was too late now. The question was no longer if he could escape Eligos's grasp, but how long he could endure it.

Later that evening, Eligos received a message from one of his informants. The message confirmed Claire's itinerary for Las Vegas,

including the precise time sho arrive and her schedule for the days she would be there. Eligos read through the details carefully, a satisfied grin spreading across his face.

"Perfect," he whispered to himself. He quickly drafted a message to Andre, providing him with a few key instructions. He made it clear that Andre's role would be pivotal and that any deviation from the plan would have severe consequences.

Andre's phone buzzed, pulling him from his spiraling thoughts. He glanced at the screen, seeing the message from Eligos. His stomach twisted as he read the instructions, the reality of what was expected of him sinking in deeper.

The next day, as the sun rose over the city, Andre began preparing for the trip to Las Vegas. He packed a small suitcase, the act feeling mechanical and detached. His mind was elsewhere, consumed by worry and doubt.

How had he allowed himself to get tangled up in Eligos's web? And more importantly, how could he possibly escape it?

Back in Claire's penthouse, she is packing her stuff with Matthew laying down on her bed asking her the same question for the past thirty minutes.

"Matthew," Claire stood in front of him crossing her arms over her chest. "can you please stop? You have been asking the same question for the past thirty minutes. The answer is still the same. No. A big no." "What do you mean no?" Matthew frowns asking Claire.

"It means, you will stay here in London while I fly to Las Vegas."

Matthew pouted like a kid losing his candy. Claire couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Look, Matt, you just got home from the hospital. Not to mention you also just healed. Besides I need you to keep an eye on Metacortex and Cryptonic. You do know that you are the only person I trust right?"

Matthew sighed. "Yes, I know that. But what if you need help in Vegas? Especially when you will be side to side with Alexander all night. And what's worse is what will you do if Eligos makes a move?" Claire sighed and plopped down on the bed next to Matthew. "Well, I will have to fight him myself." Matthew turns to Claire with a serious look on his face. "That's what I mean Claire. I will be there to protect you. Adrian is not there with you and I am not there with you too. Meaning you will be alone." "I don't want to drag Adrian into my problems. I feel like I involve him enough. Trust me, Matthew, I can defend myself. Besides it is not my first rodeo." Claire offers him an assuring smile.

In his office, Eligos sat back, satisfied that everything was in motion. The pieces were falling into place, and soon, Claire would be exactly where he wanted her. The thought of her eventual downfall filled him with anticipation. Eligos thrived on control, on manipulation, and this game was his masterpiece. noveldrama

Claire, unaware of the storm brewing, continued her preparations for Las Vegas. Her focus was on the hotel opening, and on managing the business side of things. But in the back of her mind, she knew Eligos wouldn't stay quiet for long. She just didn't realize how close he was to making his next move.

Eligos, however, was patient. He knew that the best traps were the ones laid carefully, with precision. And when the time came, Claire wouldn't stand a chance.

As the plane carrying Andre took off, heading for Las Vegas, Eligos whispered to himself, "Let the games begin."