New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex)

Claire texted Talia, suggesting they meet up for dinner. It wasn't unusual for them to catch up over a meal, but tonight felt a little different. When Talia arrived at the restaurant, she immediately spotted Claire sitting in her usual spot in the corner, a glass of wine in hand, looking deep in thought. "Hey, Claire," Talia greeted as she slid into the seat across from her. "What's up with the sudden dinner invite? Not that I'm complaining, of course." She flashed a smile, but there was curiosity in her eyes.

Claire returned the smile, setting her glass down. "I've got something to tell you, and I thought it'd be better to do it over a good meal."

Talia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What's the news?"

"Well," Claire began, leaning in slightly, "Adrian and I were talking, and we were thinking...how would you feel about redoing your fashion show?"

Talia blinked, taken aback. "Redoing the fashion show? You mean, the one that...?" Her voice trailed off as the memory of the disastrous fire came flooding back.

Claire nodded. "Yes, that one. We want to give you another shot."

Talia looked down, fiddling with her fingers. "But why, Claire? Why go through all that trouble again?"

"Because I saw how much it meant to you," Claire said gently. "It was your first big debut in the fashion industry, and you worked so hard to make it happen. It was heartbreaking to see it all go up in flames, literally. I want to help you get that moment back." Talia bit her lip, her fingers still playing with the edge of the napkin. "I don't know, Claire. After the fire, I had to talk to Mrs. Armetta, and she was just as shocked as I was. I don't even know if she'd agree to do it again."

Claire waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry about Mrs. Armetta. I'll handle her. Right now, what matters is if you want to do this. Do you?"

Talia looked up at Claire, searching her face for answers. "But why, Claire? Why are you doing this for me?"

Claire reached across the table and took Talia's hand in hers. "Because you deserve it, Talia. You've got so much talent, and it's a waste to let it go unnoticed. And let's be honest, with the fire, I doubt anyone even remembers what the collection looked like." Talia sighed, nodding slightly. "You're right. Every time I check the news, all they talk about is the fire. Even VOGUE called it Armetta's first disaster fashion show. They didn't even mention the collection."

"And that's exactly why we need to do this," Claire said, her voice firm. "People need to see your work for what it is, not just the disaster that happened. You deserve to have your moment, Talia."

Talia hesitated for a moment longer, then a look of determination crossed her face. "Okay, let's do it. Let's have another fashion show."

Claire beamed, clearly pleased with the answer. "That's what I wanted to hear! And I think you'll love Adrian's idea for the show. He's got something unique in mind, but it's totally up to you if you want to go with it." "Adrian has a plan?" Talia asked, her curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

Claire chuckled. "It's a bit out there, but that's Adrian for you. He was thinking of incorporating some unexpected elements-something that'll make your show stand out even more. I'll let him explain it to you in detail, but I think you'll like it." Talia's eyes sparkled with excitement, the fear and uncertainty melting away. "I'm starting to get excited about this. It's like a second chance, you know?"

"Exactly," Claire said, nodding in agreement. "A second chance to show the world what you're capable of."

The two women spent the rest of

the night talking about the fashion show, brainstorming ideas, and discussing the logistics. Claire could see the excitement growing in Talia's eyes with every passing minute, and it made her heart swell with happiness. Talia was finally

starting to look like herself again, the confident and talented designer

Claire knew her to be.

As the night wore on and their plates were cleared away, Claire leaned back in her chair, feeling content. "I'm really glad we did this tonight," she said with a smile.

"Me too," Talia agreed. "I feel like I've got my spark back. I was so lost after the fire, but now...now I feel like I can do this."

"And you can," Claire said confidently. "You've got all the talent in the world, Talia. Don't let one setback stop you. This is your moment, and I'll be right there with you, every step of the way." Talia smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude towards Claire. "Thank you, Claire. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Don't mention it," Claire said, waving her hand dismissively. "What are friends for?"

Claire waved goodbye to Talia as she stepped into the cab, her cheerful demeanor slipping away the moment the door closed. By the

time she hopped inside her care

instructed the driver to take her to the hospital, her smile had vanished, réplaced by a serious and cold expression.

The drive felt long, the city's usual buzz of activity doing nothing to lighten her mood. Claire's thoughts swirled as she stared out the window, the lights of the city blurring into streaks of white and yellow Finally, the car pulled up in front of the hospital, and Claire didn't waste a second. She jumped out,

straightened her coat, and made her

way inside.

The hospital lobby was quiet, the only sounds coming from the distant hum of equipment and the soft murmur of voices. Claire walked up to the receptionist, her heels clicking on the tiled floor. "Excuse me," Claire said, her voice steady and calm. "I'm here to see Lisa Thompson. Can you tell me where her room is?"

The receptionist looked up, a little startled by Claire's directness. "And you are?"

Claire offered a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "A friend," she said smoothly.

The receptionist hesitated, glancing at the clock. "Visiting hours are over, ma'am. You're a bit late."

Claire's smile didn't waver. "I understand, but it's really important. I'll only be a minute, I promise."

The receptionist exchanged a look with her colleague, then sighed. "Alright, but just for a minute. She's in room VIP 34, on the third floor."

"Thank you," Claire said with a nod, already moving toward the elevator.

"Hmm... VIP huh? I wonder who moved you." Claire muttered to herself as she made her way to the lift. She couldn't help but wonder if Alex had something to do with it.

Once on the third floor, Claire didn't bother to knock. She pushed the door open, the sound startling Lisa, who was munching on a snack. Without looking up, Lisa spoke in a slightly annoyed tone, "You could at least knock before barging in." When she didn't hear a response, Lisa turned her head, and her eyes widened in surprise. "Claire?"

Claire stood in the doorway, her expression unreadable. "Lisa," she said, stepping inside and closing the door behind her.