New beginning: Billionaire love story

The tension in the room was palpable as Claire stepped into Andre's flat, her heels clicking softly against the wooden floor. Her eyes scanned the space, noting its unexpected elegance. The furnishings were modern and sleek, the kind of decor that didn't scream extravagance but definitely hinted at comfort and wealth. It didn't fit the narrative of someone who had struggled their entire life, as Andre had suggested during their previous encounter.

Claire crossed her arms, her gaze locking onto Andre as he shut the door behind her. "Nice place," she said coolly, though her tone carried an edge. "Not exactly what I expected."

Andre smirked, leaning casually against the wall, though there was a flicker of tension in his posture. "Why? Did you think I'd be living in some run-down shack?" His tone was laced with sarcasm, but Claire could sense the underlying bitterness.

"I'm not here to play games," Claire said sharply. "Who are you, and what do you want from me?" Andre's smirk widened, though it didn't reach his eyes. He pushed off the wall and moved across the room, his movements deliberate and slow. "Isn't it funny," he began, his voice dripping with mock amusement, "how you walk into my life, acting like I'm the one intruding? Yet here you are, demanding answers."

Claire's patience was wearing thin. She didn't have time for cryptic remarks or games. "I have every right to demand answers," she snapped. "You show up uninvited at my party, call me your sister, and then vanish without explaining anything. Now I'm here, giving you a chance to clarify, so I suggest you start talking.'

Andre let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "You really don't know, do you?" He met her gaze, his expression equal parts incredulous and sardonic. "With all the resources at your disposal, you didn't bother to dig up anything about me?"

Claire's frown deepened, her annoyance growing. "I wanted to hear it from you," she said firmly. "I don't make assumptions based on half-truths or conjecture."

Andre raised an eyebrow, impressed despite himself, though he didn't let it show. "How noble of you," he said dryly, turning his back to her as he walked toward the window. He stared out at the city below, his voice quieter now. "But I'm not going to make this easy for you."

Claire's annoyance flared into outright frustration. "I'm not here to play detective, Andre. If you want to waste time with cryptic comments, fine. But don't expect me to stick around for it."

Andre turned back to face her, his expression hardening. "Fine," he said, his voice colder now. "You want answers? Here's one: my mother is laying sick in the hospital bed. Meanwhile, you were living your perfect life, oblivious to the fact that you even had a brother."

Claire's breath caught, the weight of his words hitting her like a blow. "I... I didn't know," she said softly, her tone losing some of its sharpness.

"Of course, you didn't," Andre spat. "Why would you? You had everything handed to you on a silver platter. Meanwhile, I was scraping by, trying to keep us afloat."

Claire's chest tightened. "Andre, I didn't even know you existed until you showed up at that party."

"That's convenient," he said bitterly, his arms crossing over his chest. "But it doesn't change the fact that you had the means to help, and you didn't."

Her eyes narrowed, the guilt battling with her indignation. "And how exactly was I supposed to help someone I didn't even know about?" she retorted. "You can blame me all you want, but I didn't create this situation."

Andre's lips pressed into a thin line, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "Maybe not," he admitted grudgingly. "But you're part of it now."

Claire took a step closer, her voice firm but not unkind. "If you want to hold onto your anger, that's your choice. But I'm here because I want to understand. I want to know the truth."

Andre studied her, his expression unreadable. For a moment, the room was silent, the weight of their shared history pressing down on both of them.

"I will tell you a glimpse of my past life but that doesn't mean we are okay."

He gestured for her to sit, and though Claire hesitated, she finally lowered herself onto the sleek gray couch. Andre sat across from her, his posture guarded but less combative.

"My mother," he began, his voice

steady but tinged with emotion, "was in love with your father a long time ago. They had me, but he left before I was even born. She raised me on her own, never asking for anything from him. But when she got sick..." hard. "I didn't know where else to turn."

He paused, swallowing sick..."

Claire listened intently, her mind racing. "And that's when you came looking for me?"

Andre nodded. “Not at first. I tried everything else-loans, odd jobs, anything to pay for her treatment. But it wasn't enough. That's when" He hesitated, his jaw tightening "Look, it doesn't matter what happened. The point is, you are too ignorant to even know I

exist."

Claire inhales deeply as she is tired hearing the same statement over and over again. "I told you that I have no idea you exist until now and stop blaming me for your misfortune." Claire frowned as she stared into his eyes.

Andre scoffed in disbelief. "I knew you would say that."

Claire didn't want to waste any time and she immediately decided to jump into the point. "Who sent you to my party? I want to know who."

Andre stood up and walked near the window. "No one. No one sent me. I came on my own will."

This time it was Claire's time to scoff as she didn't believe his words not one bit. "What a lie. Did you think

I would believe your words? How much did he pay you? Did Eligos ring a bell?"

Andre froze since he did not expect Claire to connect the dots that fast but he tried to remain calm with his expression and act like it is not true. He turned around and looked Claire in the eyes. "No, I don't know who you are talking about and I don't Know who Elijah you are saying."

Claire doesn't believe a word he says as she narrowed her eyes on him. She stood up, straight and tall and said to him, "He really did pay you, huh? Don't tell me all that story is orchestrated? I mean these days people will do anything for money, right?"

Andre fisted his palm as a sense of anger overcame him. "I did not lie about my mother and I would never."

"Then why are you protecting him then? Seems like you made a deal and it seems to me that the deal is very important for you."

Andre glared at Claire with hatred in his eyes. "You know for someone who forgets about their siblings' existence, you really are bold."

"I've told you, I have no idea you are my siblings. To be precise, it should be half-siblings." She said with a hard tone.

"Of course, the great Claire Peterson never wants to be blamed. I think it is better if you leave my place." Claire let out a sarcastic chuckle. "That is the last words of someone who is hiding something. And you indeed are hiding something."

She headed out of the door and slammed it shut without giving Andre a glance. He let out a deep breath he did not know he was holding and leaned on the window.

Claire is sharp, it will only took her a second to figure everything and he is scared of what her next step will be if she finds out Andre is a part of Eligos plan.noveldrama