New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex)
Chapter 100

Chapter 100 What if I say no?

Alex's eyes widened as he recognized her.

It was the one and only Claire Peterson

she was the one who had requested to see him, but he couldn't fathom why.

"Claire," he said, frowning. "What are you doing here?"

Claire stood up, her smile unwavering. "I'm sorry to Interrupt your time, but I wanted to talk to you, Alex."

Alex narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest. "What do you want to talk about?"

"I think it's better if we sit," Claire suggested, gesturing to the chairs around the table.

Alex's eyes shifted to Matthew, who had been standing quietly with a serious expression. He looked familiar. Suddenly, Alex remembered where he had seen the manbetone, Matthew was the same person he had noticed at the club a few months ago Contusion washed over him

Why would Claire bring This man to his office if she wanted to talk?

Claire introduced Matthew. "This is Matthew, my advisor."

Alex raised his eyebrows, not particularly Interested in Matthew but still puzzled by his presence.

"Alright," he muttered, taking a seat at the head of the table, his frown deepening

Claine and Matthew took their seats as well. Claire leaned forward slightly, her demeanor calm yet purposeful. "Alex, I know you must be wondering why we're here."

"You think?" Alex replied, his tone edged with irritation

She suppressed her will to not rolled her eyes and try to remain as civil as possible

"Let's get to the point, Claire. I have a lot of work to do," he said curtly.

"Of course, Alex I'm here to discuss the collaboration proposal you mentioned a few weeks ago."

Alex froze, clearly taken aback. He hadn't expected Claire to remember, let alone bring it up so directly. "Oh, that," he muttered, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. His eyes darted to Matthew, indicating his uncertainty about discussing this in front of him. "Don't worry about it, Matthew. As I told you earlier that he is my trusted advisor, and he knows everything regarding our project."

Alex coughed, buying himself moment to

to gather his thoughts. "Alright, well, I'm still thinking about it," he said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Claire Jeaned forward, her gaze steady and unyielding "With all due respect, Alex, I've given you time to consider. We need an answer now."

Alex swallowed hard, his usual confidence faltering underClaire's unwavering stare. "It's not that simple, Claire. There are factors to consider," he said, Elasping for an excuse.

Baising her brows, she stared into his eyes directly. "Like what?"

Alex struggled to replace the right words to elaborate.

Claire maintained her composure, smiling politely at Alexdespite her growing frustration. "Look, like your idea that you propose to me few weeks ago." Alex couldn't help but feel taken aback by her compliment as he knows Claire hates him so giving him compliments was definitely not on his top list. "Why do you replace it interesting?" Alex asked, genuinely curious about Claire's sudden change in attitude.

Claire considered her response carefully before answering "I've never seen a hotel venture into this kind of concept before. It's intriguing," she said simply. Despite Claire's compliment, Alex remained skeptical. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Claire's sudden interest than met the eye. "But why come all the way here just to ask about it?" he pressed, his tone tinged with suspicion.

Claire's frustration surged to the surface. It was to be expected that Alex would be more cooperative, given that he had suggested the concept and set up the meeting in the first place. "I came because I thought you would be interested in pursuing this further," she replied, her tone tinged with frustration..

Before claire could elaborate further, Alex interrupted with another question, his words laced with frustration. "Why do you want us to work together? You hate me and I don't see the need for us to work together"

Claire's fingers tightened on her lap, her nails digging into her skin as she suppressed her angen she met his gaze evenly. "I see the potential benefits of this business deal, despite my personal feelings towards you," she explained. "JackWinston was the one who persuaded me to consider it. So, are you still on board, or do you have other plans?"

Alex leaned back in his chala, deep in thought. This was good news for him, the opportunity for a lucrative business deal, but working with Claire, despite her willingness to set aside their personal animosity, raised red flags in his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that she had ulterior motives.

at if I say no?" Alex finally asked, breaking the silence that hung between them.

Claire remained calm, her demeanor unsuited. "That's your choice, Alex," she replied evenly. "But I believe in your idea, and 1 think we could create something truly remarkable together. But if you're not interested, then I'll respect your decision."

Beside her, Matthew frowned, but he held his tongue. Claire could feel his disapproval, but she chose to ignore it, focusing instead on Alex

She continued, her voice steady. "Metacortex is the only company capable of fulfilling your request. No other technology and software company can do what you need, aside from Venus AMD. But they're already partnered with Hip, so if you go there, they'll likely prioritize their partnership with HP over your project."

The first statement was true; Metacortex did indeed have the expertise Alex needed. However, the second one wasn't entirely accurate, Claire knew that despite Venus AMD partnership with Hip, Venus would be thrilled and probably try to prioritize the two big projects, but she needed to manipulate Alex into taking the deal without reveading the whole truth.

ind way, Clair was using Alexander Haitis to show Hip, Verns and also Robert that she could lift. Metacostex and become the unbeatable technology company in the world, bensing his need for Metacontes's services to her advantage

Ales absorbed Claite's words, contemplating his options. He trusted Claire's judgment despite their hate towards each other, but he couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainly accing at bien

Claine leaned in closer, her paze unwavering. "Wex, thit me. This is the best option for you. Metacortex will prioritize your project and ensure its success. You won't regret it."

However, it clalteran put her personal feelings aside for the sake of business than he couldn't see the reason why he can't to that either.

"You promise you will not sabotage my project?"

Furrowing her hims, Claite couldn't help stared at him weindly "I might hate you, but I won't go that low."

"Lapologize to intempt, but now Ms. Peterson and she will never do such thing." Matthew said seriously as Alex eyes darted to ham. For some reason Alex doesn't like Matthew. Something about his presence ticked him off. He can't help but wonder if Matthew is really important and he needs to attend this confidential meeting.

"You heard him, and I am not like Robert. I won't teminate our project like what he did to you."

Alex observed her face once more. There is not a trace of lies. She genuinely wanted this partnership. However, he couldn't help but wonder why Claire wasn't just being honest. "Alright. I'm in