New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex) novel Chapter 489

As the jet touched down in Las Vegas, Claire glanced out of the window, taking in the neon-lit city. She knew this trip would be anything but simple.

The grandeur of the city was just a façade, much like the people she was dealing with—especially Eligos. Turning to Sandra, she saw her secretary was already gathering her things, the weariness of the long flight evident in her movements.

"Ready?" Claire asked, her voice calm but firm.

Sandra nodded, offering a small smile. "As ready as I'll ever be. What’s the plan once we land?"

Claire adjusted her blazer, her mind already racing through the next steps. "We’ll head straight to the hotel. I want to check in with the team and ensure everything is set for the opening. After that, I need to touch base with a few contacts who might have information on Eligos. He’s bound to have made some move by now."

Sandra followed Claire down the steps of the jet, the desert air of Las Vegas greeting them with a dry warmth. The city buzzed around them, a stark contrast to the tension Claire carried inside.

As they made their way to the car waiting on the tarmac, Claire’s phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from Matthew.

Matthew: “Let me know when you land. Remember, keep an eye out for anything unusual.”

Claire sighed, typing back a quick response before slipping her phone into her pocket.

Claire: “We’ve landed. Don’t worry, I’ve got it under control.”

Sandra glanced at Claire as they settled into the car. "Matthew again?"

Claire nodded. "He’s just checking in. Can’t blame him, given everything that’s happened."

Sandra gave a sympathetic nod. "It’s good that he cares, though. Not everyone has someone like that looking out for them."

Claire allowed herself a brief smile. "True, but sometimes, it’s a bit much. I can handle myself."

Later that evening, Alexander stood on the balcony of his hotel suite, the city spread out before him. The view was spectacular, but his thoughts were clouded. He had checked the final preparations for the hotel’s grand opening, and everything was in place. Yet, there was an underlying tension he couldn’t shake.

His phone buzzed on the table behind him. Picking it up, he saw it was a message from Christian.

Christian: “Relax, Alex. Everything is set. Enjoy the view. We’ve got this.”

Alex smiled faintly, appreciating the support.

The car wove through the bustling streets of Las Vegas, the city’s vibrancy a stark contrast to the somber thoughts occupying Claire’s mind. They arrived at the hotel, a towering structure with sleek lines and a modern design. Stepping out of the car, Claire immediately fell into her role as the meticulous businesswoman, her sharp eyes taking in every detail.

Inside, the staff bustled around, making final preparations for the grand opening. Claire and Sandra made their way to the top floor, where the executive suites were located. As they exited the elevator, they were met by Alexander, who had been waiting for them.

"Claire," Alexander greeted, his tone neutral but his eyes betraying a hint of nervousness. "I trust your flight was smooth?"

Claire nodded curtly. "It was fine. Let’s get down to business. How are things looking for the opening?"

Alexander motioned for them to follow him to the conference room. "Everything is on schedule. The guest list is finalized, and the security team is in place. I have also hired the best security guards in case there will be some unexpected guests in which we did not expect.”

Unknown: “You’re being watched. Be careful.”

Claire’s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly composed herself. She had dealt with threats before, and this wouldn’t be any different. She immediately forwarded the message to her security team and then called Matthew, her fingers tapping nervously on the edge of the table as she waited for him to pick up.

"Claire?" Matthew’s voice was concerned, as always.

"I just received a message," Claire began, her tone steady but edged with tension. "Someone’s watching me. I need you to dig into this."

Matthew didn’t hesitate. "I’m on it. Send me everything you’ve got. And Claire... be careful."

"I always am," she replied before ending the call.

She sat down, her mind racing. This wasn’t just about the hotel opening anymore; it was personal. Eligos was clearly playing a larger game, and Claire needed to stay one step ahead. She wouldn’t let fear dictate her actions, but she also couldn’t afford to underestimate her adversary.

Later that evening, as Claire sat in a meeting with Alexander and the hotel’s security team, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something big was about to happen. Every detail, every movement, and every word was scrutinized, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary—yet.

Alexander, sensing her unease, leaned in slightly. "We’ll handle this, Claire. Whatever it is, we’ll be ready."

Claire met his gaze, her expression hardening with resolve. "We’d better be. Because if we’re not, it won’t just be the hotel that’s at stake."

The room fell silent, the gravity of her words sinking in. Each person in that room knew that the stakes were higher than they had ever anticipated. And as Claire left the meeting, her mind was set on one thing: staying ahead of Eligos and protecting everything she had worked so hard to build.