New beginning: Billionaire love story

As the jet touched down in Las Vegas, Claire glanced out of the window, taking in the neon-lit city. She knew this trip would be anything but simple.

The grandeur of the city was just a façade, much like the people she was dealing with especially Eligos. Turning to Sandra, she saw her secretary was already gathering her things, the weariness of the long flight evident in her movements.

"Ready?" Claire asked, her voice calm but firm.

Sandra nodded, offering a small smile. "As ready as I'll ever be. What's the plan once we land?" Claire adjusted her blazer, her mind already racing through the next steps. "We'll head straight to the hotel. I want to check in with the team and ensure everything is set for the opening. After that, I need to touch base with a few contacts who might have information on Eligos. He's bound to have made some move by now."

Sandra followed Claire down the steps of the jet, the desert air of Las Vegas greeting them with a dry warmth. The city buzzed around them, a stark contrast to the tension Claire carried inside.

As they made their way to the car waiting on the tarmac, Claire's phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from Matthew.

Matthew: "Let me know when you land. Remember, keep an eye out for anything unusual."

Claire sighed, typing back a quick response before slipping her phone into her pocket.

Claire: "We've landed. Don't worry, I've got it under control."

Sandra glanced at Claire as they settled into the car. "Matthew again?"

Claire nodded. "He's just checking in. Can't blame him, given everything that's happened."

Sandra gave a sympathetic nod. "It's good that he cares, though. Not everyone has someone like that looking out for them."

Claire allowed herself a brief smile. "True, but sometimes, it's a bit much. I can handle myself."

Later that evening, Alexander stood on the balcony of his hotel suite, the city spread out before him. The view was spectacular, but his thoughts were clouded. He had checked the final preparations for the hotel's grand opening, and everything was in place. Yet, there was an underlying tension he couldn't shake.

His phone buzzed on the table behind him. Picking it up, he saw it was a message from Christian. Christian: "Relax, Alex. Everything is set. Enjoy the view. We've got this."

Alex smiled faintly, appreciating the support.

The car wove through the bustling streets of Las Vegas, the city's vibrancy a stark contrast to the somber thoughts occupying Claire's mind. They arrived at the hotel, a towering structure with sleek lines and a modern design. Stepping out of the car, Claire immediately fell into her role as the meticulous businesswoman, her sharp eyes taking in every detail.

Inside, the staff bustled around, making final preparations for the grand opening. Claire and Sandra made their way to the top floor, where the executive suites were located. As they exited the elevator, they were met by Álexander, who had been waiting for them.

"Claire," Alexander greeted, his tone neutral but his eyes betraying a hint of nervousness. "I trust your flight was smooth?"

Claire nodded curtly. "It was fine. Let's get down to business. How are things looking for the opening?" Alexander motioned for them to follow him to the conference room. "Everything is on schedule. The guest list finalized, and the security team is in place. I have also hired the best security guards in case there will be some unexpected guests in which we did not expect."

She nodded in agreement. "That is a good idea. Good thinking, Mr. Harris. But we also need to be aware of who is and who isn't invited. We want this opening to be a success. God knows there will be people who is looking forward to sabotaging our hard work."

Alexander crossed his arms over his chest. He couldn't agree more with what Claire said. Despite their hateful remarks towards each other, at some point, they still shared the same views on things.

Claire nodded slowly, her mind already calculating the possibilities. "Please inform my secretary of the security updates. If you need anything feel free to contact her. I will be making sure the robot is working well without any flaws. After all, some people love to see our downfall."

She said with a bitter tone as she remembered Robert Robertson. The person whom she trusted betrayed her trust.

Alexander agreed. "Of course, my secretary will be in contact with yours. In case I am hard to reach, please contact my secretary." Claire couldn't help but raise her brows as she found Alex's words funny. She let out a soft scoff as she tried not to roll her eyes. She thought to herself, "How original of him." They continued discussing the final details for the opening. Despite the smooth surface of their conversation, the undercurrent of tension was palpable, especially for Alexander, who found himself hoping for some semblance of normalcy with Claire an unlikely dream given their history.

After the meeting, Claire retreated to her suite, needing a moment to herself. Sandra, ever the diligent assistant, followed, but Claire waved her off.

"I just need a few minutes," Claire said softly. "You can head to your room and rest. We'll regroup later." Sandra nodded. "Of course, Ms. Peterson."

Her secretary leaves Claire alone with her thoughts. The suite was luxurious, but Claire barely noticed as she paced by the large window overlooking the city. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts-Éligos, Alexander, the mysterious email, and the looming grand opening.

Each piece felt like part of a larger puzzle she was struggling to complete.

Her phone buzzed again, and she picked it up, half expecting another message from Matthew. Instead, it was a text from an unknown number.

Unknown: "You're being watched. Be careful."

Claire's heart skipped a beat, but shenoveldrama

quickly composed herself. She had dealt with threats before, and this wouldn't be any different. She

immediately forwarded the message to her security team and then called Matthew, her fingers tapping

nervously on the edge of the table as she waited for him to pick up.

"Claire?" Matthew's voice was concerned, as always.

"I just received a message," Claire began, her tone steady but edged with tension. "Someone's watching

me. I need you to dig into this."

Matthew didn't hesitate. "I'm on it. Send me everything you've got. And Claire... be careful."

"I always am," she replied before ending the call.

She sat down, her mind racing. This

wasn't just about the hotel opening anymore; it was personal. Eligos was clearly playing a larger game and Claire needed to stay one step ahead. She wouldn't let fear dictate her actions, but she also couldn't

afford to underestima Couldn't

adversary.

Later that evening, as Claire sat in a meeting with Alexander and the hotel's security team, she couldn't shake the feeling that something big was about to happen. Every detail, every movement, and every word was scrutinized, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary—yet.

Alexander, sensing her unease, leaned in slightly. "We'll handle this, Claire. Whatever it is, we'll be ready." Claire met his gaze, her expression hardening with resolve. "We'd better be. Because if we're not, it won't just be the hotel that's at stake."

The room fell silent, the gravity of

her words sinking in. Each person in that room knew that the stakes were higher than they had ever

anticipated. And as Claire left net

meeting, her mind was set on one thing: staying ahead of Eligos and protecting everything she had worked so hard to build.