New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 16 The necklace

Are you sure you want to attend the party? After all it is only his son's birthday,"

"I know but if I don't show up, Robert will think I am scared of him and I am not."

Claire said every word with confidence in her tone.

"okay, if you say so."

Matthew open the car door for her and Claire with her strapless black dress filled with beautiful rhinestones on the neckline shimmering under the evening lights. A slit on the side that showcase her long legs caught the paparazzi attention, Even though Robert said this party is private he does not really mean it.

Robert loves attention and he will do anything to make it one the front page of New York Times or maybe Vogue.

"He paid for the paparazzi." Claire whisper to Matthew who is next to her.

"Well, what do you expect from the man.

"Excuse me, miss? Can you pose for us?"

Another paparazzi chime in.

"Miss, can you turn to the right please?"

The flashing of the camera slightly blinded Claire's eyes.

This is the first time she has experienced this scene after 3 years. Claire was stunned by the loud paparazzi and flashing

camera.

Matthew, noticing her slight stumble, quickly steadied her. "Stay confident, Claire Focus on your goal," he whispered, his hand resting reassuringly on her waist.

Claire nodded, regaining her poise. With a confident smile or sometimes a subtle smirk, she began to pose for the cameras, each click of the shutter adding to the spectacle.

The other guests, initially oblivious to Claire's arrival, couldn't help but turn their attention as the paparazzi frenzy grew. They whispered among themselves, wondering who this captivating woman was stealing the spotlight One bold paparazzi, eager for a headline, called out to Claire, "Who are you, miss?"

Claire turned slightly, her demeanor exuding power. "I'm Claire Peterson, CEO of Metacortex Corporation."

The camera flashes intensified, capturing her declaration as if it were breaking news. Claire and Matthew finally made their way into the opulent mansion, leaving the paparazzi behind but not without a lasting impression, "You nailed it, Claire! I knew you would."

Claire chuckled seeing Matthew excitement

As they headed inside, Claire took in the lavish surroundings. A sudden memory washed over her.

Matthew noticing her expression shifted raised an eyebrow.

"You okay Claire? Did the flash blinded your eyes?"

Claire shook her head, a tight smile etched on her lips.

"Nothing it's just...this mansion...my dad wanted to buy this mansion. He once brought Robert over and told buy this but then

"Robert stole it from you." Matthew finished Claire's word as she nodded her head.

him he really wanted to

"I don't know when Robert buy this, but my guess is after the accident that occurred. He always wanted to take everything that makes me and my parents happy. He is just a petty man."

Matthew put his arms around her shoulders and offered her a warm smile.

"Don't worry Claire, you will get everything you own back just in due time." st in due time."

"I know." Claire smiled back at Matthew as they walk in the lavish party.

The lavish house was abuzz with activity, filled with elegantly dressed guests and adorned with decorations fit for a grand event.

Claire observed the scene around her, she couldn't shake off the feeling that this birthday party was more akin to a business party than a birthday party for an eight-year-old.

While their parents appeared to be deep in conversation over glasses of wine, children were running around under the watchful eyes of exhausted-loolding nannies.

Robert noticed Claire's approach with Matthew by her side, his expression briefly clouded with annoyance. He couldn't understand why Matthew was always glued to Claire's side, seemingly Inseparable from her even in social gatherings. Despite his inner irritation, Robert put on a charming smile as Claire and Matthew reached them

"Ah, Claire, what a delightful surprise!" Robert exclaimed; his tone slightly forced but masking his true feelings well. "I see you bring this man.. I'm sorry who is he again?" Robert said as he glance to Matthew.

He is trying to be rude but masked it with a look of politeness.

Claire mentally scoffed in disbelief. She always mention Matthew's name to him. Funny if he easily forget it.

"It's Matthew, He is my advisor as well as my friend."

Greta, Robert's wife, joined in, greeting Claire warmly despite the subtle tension in the air.

"Claire darling! It's been so long. Where have you been? And where is your parents?"

At that moment, Claire felt like someone punch her in the guts.

She can't help but wonder if the Robertson genuinely innocent in the car crash accident or they pretending to be oblivious.

Claire honestly can't tell.

"They are dead."

Claire didn't bother to be discreet as she is curious to see their reaction.

As she thought Greta place her hand on her mouth in shock while Robert pretending not to hear as he greet the other guest, but she know his ears perked up at the mention of Claire parents.

"How? And why didn't you tell us?

"Some much happen in the past 3 years. Maybe some day I'll tell you. But now I just wish Mick a happy birthday. I'm sorry I didn't bring present, but it seems like Mick has enough." Claire said as she gesture to the mountain full of present. Greta waved her hand in dismissal. "Nonsense dear. Mick has enough toys. Thank you for coming dear."

Claire's gaze drifted towards Greta's jewelry, and her smile faltered momentarily. It was a custom-made plece that Claire had ordered for her late mother, unique and unmistakable.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

How did Greta come to possess such a rare item?

After the greetings, Claire and Matthew made their way to a table at the back of the room, strategically placed away from the center of attention. It was a move she had anticipated from Robert, a subtle attempt to minimize her presence. However, Claire remained unfazed, choosing to focus on enjoying the evening with Matthew rather than getting caught up in Robert's

petty games.

"Are you okay?" Matthe asked Claire as they are seated.

"Do you want an honest answer?"

"Okay, every time you said that it scares me."

Claire rolled her eyes as she took a sip of the champagne.

"No, I am not alright. I could flip any minute.

Is this because of the question about your parents?"

Claire's jaw tightened as she glanced at Matthew, her eyes flashing with anger. "Aside from that is the jewelry that Gretta wore that caught me off guard and also anger me."

Matthew furrowed his brow in confusion. "The necklace? Why does it bother you so much?"

Claire turned to him, her frustration evident. "That necklace belonged to my mother. It was a custom order which I exclusively asked for it. You can't find that necldace even if you search the whole world. There is only one and Gretta is wearing it." "Why didn't you say anything?" Matthew asked.

Claire let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I was caught off guard. I didn't expect to see it here. Let's just try to enjoy the party until it's over."