New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex) novel Chapter 415

Winnie took a deep breath as she sat in her small, uncomfortably stiff office chair. Across from her, on the hospital bed, Lisa lounged, arms crossed, her face twisted in what could only be described as pure disdain.

“Lisa, are you okay?” Winnie asked, her voice calm as she attempted to read the woman’s body language.

Lisa’s head whipped around to glare at her, eyes narrowed. “Do I look okay to you?”

Shaking her head, Winnie gives her a small smile. “I don’t think you are okay.”

Lisa snapped. “You know the answer! No, I’m not okay. I’m angry! No, I’m furious!” She almost spat the words out, and Winnie held her breath, steeling herself for whatever would come next.

Winnie stayed calm, though her heart skipped a beat. “May I know, why are you angry?” she asked softly, careful not to sound too eager.

Lisa scowled and sat up straighter, throwing her hands in the air. “Why do you think? It’s that… that Claire Peterson! The woman should be rotting in a cell, but there she is, walking free!”

Winnie’s eyes flickered with a flash of surprise, though she tried to keep her expression controlled. Just yesterday, she’d seen the news herself: Claire Peterson had been arrested, which was shocking enough.

But the real surprise was how fast Claire was released, thanks to a supposedly airtight alibi and the police's conclusion that it was all a misunderstanding. To say it was heart-pounding for Winnie would be an understatement. The idea of Claire, her very own client, being arrested and then freed in record time left her with mixed relief—and a hefty dose of anxiety about her own involvement.

“Yes… I did see the news,” Winnie said, nodding sympathetically. She hoped she sounded calm, though inwardly she was more than a little on edge. “That must be really frustrating for you, Lisa. But why does Claire’s freedom bother you so much?”

Lisa practically jumped off the bed, hovering over Winnie, her eyes blazing with anger. “Why? Why?” she repeated, her voice rising. “She ruined my life! She’s the reason I’m locked in here. If it wasn’t for that witch, I wouldn’t be in this hellhole!”

Winnie leaned back, trying not to make any sudden moves. “Lisa, let’s just… calm down a bit. Take a deep breath and sit back down, okay?”

Lisa crossed her arms tightly across her chest and took a reluctant step back. “How can you tell me to stay calm?” she muttered, clearly far from settled. “I hate that woman. Yesterday, when I saw she’d been arrested, I thought I’d finally have something to celebrate. I’ve been waiting for months to see her punished. Then suddenly…poof! She’s out. But of course, no surprises there, it was all fake! She’s too powerful, got everyone wrapped around her little finger.”

Winnie nodded. “I understand your frustration.” she stayed quiet, letting Lisa talk herself out. As Lisa vented, pacing in a small, tight line across the room, Winnie jotted down notes, trying to catch every word of Lisa’s spiraling accusations.

Lisa continued to rant, her words dripping with venom. “She’s so powerful,” Lisa spat, “that even a murder investigation can’t touch her! It’s sickening.”

Winnie listened, though she was careful to keep her expression neutral, a slight frown of empathy creasing her forehead. She knew exactly what Lisa meant; Claire’s name was always in the news, often with some scandalous twist or another. She gave Lisa an understanding look.

“Yes, I’ve seen her name around,” Winnie replied slowly, pretending she’d never personally met Claire. “But I don’t really know her. Though… it sounds like she has a way of staying in the headlines.”

Lisa’s face lit up as if she’d finally found someone who understood. “Exactly!” She pointed at Winnie, practically beaming. “Finally, someone who gets it. That woman is everywhere, always causing trouble!”

“Don’t say like that Lisa. I think your mother is worried about you but just doesn’t have the courage to face reality. I believe sooner or later your mother will come visit you.” Winnie added with a smile of assurance.

“Yeah, doubt she will do shit like that.” She said boredly.

Winnie nodded, jotting down more notes, then closed her notebook with a small, encouraging smile. “I think this was a very productive session, Lisa. You were more open than usual, and that’s a good sign.”

Lisa watched her warily. “Yeah, whatever,” she muttered, though the corners of her mouth curved up in what could almost be considered a smile. “Weirdly enough, I… didn’t hate today’s session.”

Winnie’s polite smile wavered slightly, that smile from Lisa setting off a faint but undeniable alarm. “I’m glad to hear that,” she said, standing up quickly. “Have a good day, Lisa. I’ll see you next time.”

Before Winnie could turn, Lisa called out, “Dr. Johnson?”

Winnie turned back, her face a polite mask. “Yes, Lisa?”

Lisa smiled that unsettling smile again. “Thanks. Really.” She held her gaze just a second too long, and Winnie could feel her skin prickling.

Winnie mustered a polite nod, forcing her legs to move casually toward the door. But once she was out of the room, she found herself moving much faster than usual down the hall, eager to put some distance between herself and whatever strange mood Lisa was in today.