New beginning: Billionaire love story

The grand hall of the jewelry exhibition buzzed with excitement, the soft murmur of conversations interwoven with the clinking of glasses and the occasional laughter. In the center of the room, a pedestal draped in rich velvet held a stunning ring, its gemstone glittering under the carefully positioned lights. Sophia, the host of the evening, stood beside it, a confident smile gracing her lips as she gathered the guests' attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Sophia's voice rang clear and poised, "thank you for joining us this evening. We are honored to present a truly remarkable piece, featuring a gemstone so rare, it has been coveted by collectors worldwide. This ring, adorned with the Orpheus Stone, is one of a kind."

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd as they moved closer to get a better look at the ring. The gemstone, a mesmerizing deep blue with flecks of gold, seemed to hold the cosmos within it. Claire Peterson stood among the guests, her eyes fixed on the ring, captivated by its beauty.

Next to her, Talia leaned in and whispered, "Claire, that stone is to die for. Look at it. It's like it holds the secrets of the universe."

Claire smiled, nodding in agreement. "It is stunning," she admitted, her gaze never wavering from the ring. "You should buy it," Talia suggested, her voice playful but sincere. "It would suit you perfectly, and you do love collecting unique pieces."

Claire chuckled, her interest piqued. She did have a penchant for acquiring rare and valuable jewelry, pieces that made her feel powerful and unique. Owning the Orpheus Stone would certainly add to her already impressive collection. She was about to inquire further when Sophia's voice broke through her thoughts.

"And now," Sophia continued, her smile broadening, "I am pleased to announce that this magnificent piece already has an owner."

Claire's brow furrowed slightly in surprise. She hadn't anticipated the ring being spoken for so quickly. Her curiosity deepened as she leaned closer to Talia. "I wonder who it is," she mused aloud.

Sophia gestured towards a figure at the edge of the crowd. "Please, join me in welcoming the owner of this extraordinary ring, Mr. Alexander Harris."

Claire's expression shifted from curiosity to shock, her brows shooting up and then knitting into a frown. Alexander Harris. The name echoed in her mind, stirring a mixture of emotions. She had not expected him to be involved, let alone to have secured such rare piece.noveldrama

Questions swirled in her mind-how had Alexander acquired the ring so quickly? Did he have a prior connection with Sophia?

Her musings were interrupted by the sudden warmth of a hand at her waist, making her startle slightly. She turned quickly, prepared to confront whoever it was, but her expression softened into a smile when she saw Adrian.

He grinned, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Easy there," he chuckled. "I didn't mean to scare you." Claire playfully slapped his arm. "Don't sneak up on me like that," she admonished, though her tone was light.

Adrian leaned down, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Sorry," he murmured. "You seemed lost in thought." Before Claire could respond, Talia chimed in, her voice teasing. "You two are adorable. You make me miss Christian even more.'

Claire rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips. "Well, maybe you should bring him along next time," she suggested.

Adrian, meanwhile, glanced at the ring and the gathering crowd. "What did I miss?" he asked, his brow furrowing slightly.

Claire sighed, tilting her head towards the pedestal. "That ring, with the rare gemstone, the Orpheus Stone. It's already been claimed."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "By who?"

Claire took a sip of her champagne before answering, "Alexander Harris."

Adrian's frown mirrored Claire's. "Alexander? How did that happen?"

"That's what I'd like to know," Claire muttered, her eyes narrowing as she watched Alexander near the pedestal, receiving applause from the crowd.

Adrian followed her gaze. "Think he's buying their enthusiasm?"

Claire shrugged. "Wouldn't put it past him."

Talia, sensing the tension between Claire and Adrian, tried to lighten the mood. "Well, maybe he's just trying to show off. You know how some people are when they get their hands on something unique." Adrian's expression darkened slightly. "He's always been one for grand gestures."

Claire nodded, her mind racing. She couldn't shake, the feeling that there was more to Alexander's purchase than mere vanity. Was it a calculated move, or was he genuinely

interested in the rarity of the

Orpheus Stone? Either way, felt like a challenge, one she wasn't entirely sure she wanted to engage in, but couldn't ignore.

Adrian's voice pulled her back. "You think he's up to something?"

Claire met his gaze, her eyes steady. "With Alexander, it's always a possibility."

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The soft hum of classical music filled the luxurious lounge as Claire wandered through the crowd, her eyes scanning for a familiar face. The event was buzzing with the clink of glasses and the murmur of conversation creating an undercurrent of excitement. It wasn't long before she spotted Alexander, standing near the bar, a glass of whiskey in hand, his posture as composed as ever.

Claire approached him with a purposeful stride, her curiosity about the recent acquisition of the rare gemstone ring piquing her interest. She hadn't planned on confronting him, but the opportunity was too perfect to pass up.

As she neared, Alexander caught sight of her, his brow raising slightly in surprise, though a smirk quickly tugged at the corners of his lips.

"Claire," he greeted smoothly, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" Claire offered a faint smile, her tone light but inquisitive. "I couldn't help but notice your latest acquisition- quite the rare gemstone ring you've got there. Congratulations on owning it."

Alexander's smirk widened, clearly enjoying the subtle challenge in her voice. He took a slow sip of his whiskey, his eyes never leaving hers. "Ah, the ring. It is quite the piece, isn't it?" His voice dripped with casual arrogance. "Why do you ask? Interested in it yourself?"

Claire shrugged, her expression carefully neutral, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of amusement. "Not particularly. I was just curious. I'm not exactly in the habit of coveting other people's possessions." Alexander chuckled, setting his glass down on the bar. "Good to know. Wouldn't want you getting any ideas."

Claire tilted her head, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Don't flatter yourself, Alexander. I'm not that needy."

The comment hung in the air for a moment, and Alexander raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by her boldness. He leaned in slightly, his voice lowering. "You never fail to surprise me, Claire."

"Is that so?" Claire retorted, crossing her arms. "I thought by now you'd have figured me out." "Perhaps," Alexander mused, his tone thoughtful. "But you do have a way of keeping things... interesting." Claire's eyes narrowed slightly, though she couldn't deny the subtle thrill that came with their verbal sparring. "I'm glad I can keep you entertained."

Alexander smiled, but before he

could respond, he decided to shift the conversation to a more pressing matter. "Speaking of entertainment, have you finalized everything for our trip to Las Vegas? The opening is just around the corner, and want to make sure everything is perfect."

Claire mentally rolled her eyes but kept her composure, her tone professional. "Yes, Alexander, I've got it under control. No need for constant reminders."

Alexander's smirk softened into a more serious expression. "I just want to ensure everything runs smoothly. We've got important guests attending, and this opening needs to go off without a hitch." Claire nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation, even if his persistence grated on her nerves. "I know what's at stake, Alexander. I'll be ready."

Satisfied, Alexander lifted his glass once more. "Good. It's important we make a strong impression." Claire took a deep breath, softening her stance. "I understand. And I'll do my part to make sure it's a success."

Alexander watched her for a moment, his gaze steady. "I appreciate that, Claire. Despite everything, we do make a good team."

Claire's lips curved into a slight smile, though she didn't fully agree. Their history was complicated, and while they could work together professionally, the personal tension was always lurking beneath the

surface.

"Let's just hope Vegas doesn't turn into another battlefield," Claire remarked, her tone half-joking.