New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 11 Surprise

Matthew leaned close to Claire's ear; his

is voice barely audible over the pounding music of the nightclub.

"Come on Claire enjoy it! You used to do this every week!"

Claire glanced around, taking in the vibrant chaos of the club. The thumping beats, the swirling lights, the people lost in the rhythm of the music-it was all so unfamiliar yet strangely familiar after three years of staying away from the club scene. As Matthew ordered shots of vodka, he teased Claire, questioning her ability to handle the alcohol percentage. Claire rolled her eyes playfully "Please, Matthew. I used to pour vodka in my coffee," she quipped, accepting the glass

They clinked their glasses together and downed the contents in one go. Claire felt the burn of the alcohol, but it was a welcome sensation amidst the lively atmosphere.

With a grin, Claire shouted over the music, "So, what's next?"

Matthew motioned toward the dance floor.

"Next step: have fun!" he shouted back.

Claire shook her head, feeling a bit self-conscious.

"I don't know, Matthew. It's been a while..

"Watch me...

Matthew sliding onto the dance floor, showing off his eccentric moves. Claire couldn't help but laugh at his antics, her hesitation melting away,

As the song ended, Matthew struck a dramatic pose, prompting Claire to clap and cheer. "You've still got it, Matthew!" she exclaimed, still chuckling.

They decided to have another round of shots, and Claire raised her glass in a toast.

"To us!"

Suddenly, a familiar voice interrupted them.

"Claire?"

Claire turned, stunned to see Talia standing there.

They hugged tightly.

"Oh my God! 1 didn't expect to see you today! Last night we just called" said Talia excitedly.

"I know. I guess the universe wanted us to see each other."

"You look stunning, Claire."

Claire waved her hand in dismissal.

"Thank you, but I just got out of work, and I think this is not a best outfit to go out

"Sometimes it is not the outfit, but the person who wears it."

out clubbing."

Matthew raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

*So, Talia, you're Claire's best friend?"This text is © NôvelDrama/.Org.

Claire nodded, smiling at the unexpected reunion.

"Yes, Matthew, Talia, meet my dear friend."

Talia grinned, extending her hand to Matthew. "Nice to finally meet the legendary Matthew, Claire talks about." Matthew chuckled, shaking Talia's hand. "Likewise, Talia. Looks like tonight just got even more interesting." shot for the three of them and they downed the content swiftly.

Mattheword hers

"Okay, we have to dance and let the alcohol do the work "Talla yelled to Claire over the loud, pumping music,

With Talia by her side, she found herself easing into the rhythm of the music, even dating to venture onto the dance floor.

The pulsating beat and perhaps a bit of alcohol had loosened Claire's inhibitions. Talia leaned in close, shouting over the music, "Hey, Claire, how are you treling?"

Claire flashed a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with newfound confidence. "I'm doing okay, Talia Just taking it all in, you know!

Talla nodded, her own smile mirroring Claire's "I'm glad about the unexpected reunion. It's been a while since we have seen each other."

As they danced, their conversation flowed effortlessly from one topic to another,

As they made their way back to the bar, Matthew, Claire's longtime friend, observed from a distance with a smile of relief.

She had been through so much and seeing her enjoying herself again brought him immense joy.

Talia and Claire head back to the bar after their dance session.

Matthew handing them their drinks. "Cheers to a great night," he said, clinking his glass with theirs

Claire raised her glass, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thanks, Matthew. I needed this."

Matthew chuckled, a protective glint in his eyes as he looked at Claire, "Anytime, Claire. You know I've always got your back"

As the night progressed, Talia noticed a guy checking Claire out from across the room. She nudged Claire gently and tilted her head in the guy's direction, signaling her observation. Claire rolled her eyes playfully, shaking her head. "Oh please, Talia. I'm not here to find a date."

Talia laughed, understanding Claire's stance. "I know, I know. Just making sure you're aware of your admirers. And for future

reference. "

Talia winked at Claire teasingly which she shook her head in disbelief but still smile at the situation.

Claire sipped her drink, her gaze sweeping across the dance floor.

"You know, why don't you two go and dance and get to lonow each other."

Claire didn't wait for them to reply as she pushed Matthew and Talia to the dance floor.

She giggled seeing how awkward they are especially with the slow song playing at the background,

It had been a long and challenging night for Alex as he made his way to his usual club. His mind was preoccupied with the troubles at his hotel in New York, which had demanded his attention.

Reluctantly, he had sent Christian to handle the urgent matters back in the Big Apple, knowing he couldn't be in two places at once.

Earlier, Lisa had insisted that he go straight home, and Alex had promised her he would. However, finding himself not quite in the mood to face the reality of his personal life, he veered towards the club instead.

As he ascended to the VIP lounge upstairs, Alex surveyed the lively scene below. People danced and laughed, their cares seemingly forgotten in the music and lights.

"Doesn't they have problem in their lives?"

then, his attention was abruptly captured by a familiar face amidst the crowd.

Claire.

Alex's brow furrowed in confusion.

What was Claire doing here, in a club of all places? It certainly wasn't her usual style.

Alex watched Claire's every move like an eagle tracking its prey, nursing a glass of whiskey as he observed her interactions below. His gaze intensified as he noticed one man and a woman pulling Claire from her seat, coaxing her onto the dance floor. He couldn't help but feel a surge of irritation as he watched her laugh and move to the music.

Why did seeing her happy bother him so much? It made no sense, yet Alex couldn't shake the feeling of annoyance gnawing at him. "she sh

shouldn't be here. She should be at home crying her heart out from our divorced."

As Alex made his way downstairs, frustration gnawed at him. He had been waiting for the right moment, and when Claire headed to the bathroom, he saw his chance.

Claire's face was flushed with excitement and a hint of tipsiness as she stared at herself in the mirror. This was the Claire he knew, her real sell

With the help of Matthew and Talla, she seemed content to embrace her old lifestyle once again.

As Claire exited the bathroom, her thoughts consumed by her newfound freedom, a rough hand grabbed her arm, startling her. She looked up and was shocked to see the person standing in front of her. This is not what Claire had in mind to end her day.

The universe surely has its way to surprise her even when she vowed to never see him again.

His tone filled with satisfaction.

"Surprise?"