New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex)
Chapter 247 I’m Busy

Claire was back in her office, stifling yet another yawn as she tried to focus on the report in front of her. She hadn't gotten much sleep last night, thanks to the Harris family's annual charity banquet but more like thanks to Alexander. With him being drunk, Claire ended up

babysitting

him.

A light knock on her door interrupted her thoughts, and she looked up to see Sandra poking her head in. "Ms. Peterson, the robotics team has arrived. They're waiting for you downstairs."

"Great, thanks, Sandra," Claire said, trying to muster up some enthusiasm. She stood up, stretched, and made her way out of her office, heading to the 10th floor. Her heels clicked against the polished floors of Metacortex as she walked, trying to shake off the lingering tiredness.

When Claire walked into the room, she spotted Abigail and Matthew already there, looking busy. "Morning," she greeted them, noting how they both seemed more awake than she felt.

"Morning, Claire." said Matthew who is watching the team working.

Claire's eyes went back and forth towards Abigail and Matthew. "Hey, when did you two arrive?"

Matthew turned to Claire and shot her a smile. "I just got here about five minutes ago," he said

Abigail nodded, pushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I just arrived a minute ago. Just in time to watch the team work their magic," she added, motioning to the group of engineers bustling around a large table filled with wires and parts.

Claire watched the robotics team in front of her, and her face shifted into a look of seriousness. The project they were working on was important, and she needed everything to go smoothly. She walked over to Logan, the leader of the team and someone Claire had handpicked for this role. "How's the progress, Logan?" she asked, her eyes scanning the organized chaos of the room.

Logan, a tall guy with a perpetual five o'clock shadow, straightened up and gave her a nod. "We're making good progress, Ms. Peterson. We've been arranging the body with the wires. It's coming along nicely."

Claire's eyes moved to the robot's body, which was being put together piece by piece. It was a custom-made structure, designed from hard plastic to be both durable and lightweight. "When did the body arrive?" Claire asked, intrigued by the sight. "Yesterday," Logan replied, "We started arranging the cables and all the electronic components right away. Abigail's been a great help with the wiring."

Claire glanced over to Abigail, who was carefully connecting wires, her face a mask of concentration. Claire had to admit, she was impressed. All those cables and circuits were a mystery to her, but Abigail seemed to have a handle on it. Turning her attention to the other side of the room, Claire saw half of the team huddled around a laptop, installing software. "What are you working on over there?" she asked, moving closer.

"We're installing the new software for the tablet," one of the engineers explained. "It'll be attached above the robot so the customer can use the touch screen if they need help."

Claire nodded, appreciating the detail and thought going into the design. "Let me help with the software installation. Also, we need to discuss what services should be included in the tablet. We want it to be user-friendly and intuitive."

The team nodded, taking her input seriously. Claire was hands-on when it came to projects, and her involvement always motivated the team to do their best. She started working alongside them, her tiredness fading as she focused on the task at hand.

After a while, Claire gestured for Matthew to step outside with her. He followed her out of the room, and they leaned against the wall in the hallway. "Matthew," Claire began, "I've been thinking. I should hire Stephen for Metacortex. His skills are exactly what we need for the new project."

Matthew raised his eyebrows, looking interested. "Really? What made you change your mind?" he asked, folding his arms across his chest.

"I reviewed his profile as you suggested," Claire said, nodding. "He's the perfect candidate for this project. However, I still want to interview him personally, just to be sure."

Matthew nodded in agreement. "I agree. We could head over to Cryptonic now and maybe get him started tomorrow."

Claire was about to agree when Sandra's voice called out, "Ms. Peterson." She turned to see Sandra walking towards them, with Alexander right behind her.

Claire's face immediately shifted into a frown, her gaze turning cold. Just great, she thought, what is he doing here? Hadn't he done enough last night?

"Claire," Alexander greeted her, a neutral expression on his face. "We need to talk."

She folded her arms, not bothering to hide her irritation. "Alexander, I'm busy," she said bluntly. "Whatever it is, it can wait."

Alexander shifted his weight, clearly determined. "It'll only take a minute," he insisted.

Claire's eyes narrowed, a hint of annoyance flashing in them. "If this is about last night," she said coldly, "forget it."

It was obvious that Alexander had

no intention of letting the topic drop so easily. He leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. "If you don't want to hear me out," he said, his voice growing louder, "then maybe I should just say it out loud right here."

Claire shot him a sharp glare, her patience wearing thin. "Fine," she snapped. She turned to Matthew, who was standing nearby, observing the tense exchange. "Matthew don't you head inside?" she

vwhy

suggested, her tone trying to sound

casual.

Matthew, being Claire's best friend, protector, and advisor, didn't move. He folded his arms and glared at Alexander. "Claire doesn't want to talk to you," he said firmly. "So why don't you just leave her alone?" Alexander's eyes darkened, the hangover making his temper flare. "This has nothing to do with you, Matthew," he shot back. "So maybe you should shut up."

Matthew took a step forward, his gaze still fixed on Alexander. "Did you do something to hurt her?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous. "I swear if you did Alex, I-"

Alexander cut him off. "I didn't do anything to her so stop assuming stupid shit."

Claire was already annoyed by the whole situation, and the fact that she hadn't gotten enough sleep made her even more cranky. The tension in the air was thick, and she could feel a headache coming on. Both men were staring each other down, and Claire knew she had to put a stop to this before it escalated any further.

She reached out and grabbed Alexander's wrist, pulling him away from the doorway. "Matthew, go inside," she said firmly. "I'll have a quick talk with Alex."

Matthew looked like he was about to argue, but the look in Claire's eyes made him think twice. He rolled his eyes and muttered, "Fine," before turning on his heel and heading inside, leaving Claire and Alexander alone in the hallway. Claire dragged Alexander into an empty room and closed the door behind them with a loud click. She crossed her arms over her chest again and gave him a pointed look. "Talk," she said, not bothering to hide her impatience.