New beginning: Billionaire love story

Claire was buzzing around Las Vegas like a one-woman tornado. She dashed from her hotel room to various meeting spots, scribbling notes on her tablet and taking calls at every step.

The job wasn't technically hers-Alexander was the mastermind here, but he'd left her in charge of overseeing the installation and setup of his flashy, futuristic concept. And if Claire was honest, she wasn't thrilled about playing his deputy. But since they were business partners, she had little choice. At least Vegas had some perks.

She had been meeting with Alexander's interior team all morning, fielding questions about the setup for what Alexander was calling his "Matrix-inspired masterpiece." Claire wasn't quite sure what he was aiming for with the whole matrix theme, but she nodded along, mentally rolling her eyes every time someone said "edgy" or "avant-garde."

"Alright, so here's the plan," Claire said, pointing at the blueprints laid out across the conference table. "We'll have three robots stationed strategically-the first one in the lobby, another near the restaurant entrance, and one on the rooftop."

"Will we add more later?" asked a young interior designer, furrowing his brow.

Claire shrugged, "Not unless Alexander decides he wants an army of these things. For now, we're focusing on the main points where guests might actually get lost or need help."

The designer nodded, looking a bit nervous as he scribbled notes. Claire couldn't blame him; Alexander's projects were known for their absurdly high standards and razor-thin deadlines.

Upstairs, downstairs, all around the hotel-Claire practically wore out her shoes going back and forth. She paused for a second to catch her breath near the elevators, contemplating sending a quick text to Matthew for updates back at headquarters. Just as she was reaching for her phone, a water bottle appeared right in front of her.

She looked up to see Alexander himself grinning down at her, extending the bottle like it was a peace offering. His usual polished, charming smile was plastered on his face, though Claire could detect a hint of mischief. "Here. You look like you could use it," he said, his voice annoyingly smug.

She frowned, pushing the bottle back toward him. "I'm fine. Not thirsty," she replied, though her throat felt as dry as the Vegas desert outside. She knew better than to let him think she needed anything from him. "Oh, come on," Alexander chuckled, waving the bottle in front of her face. "You've been running around like a headless chicken. Just drink the water, Claire. You'll feel better."

Claire rolled her eyes. "Since when do you care if I feel better?" She narrowed her gaze, studying him. "Shouldn't you be off charming some investor? I thought you'd leave the actual work to the rest of us."

Alexander smirked, crossing his arms and holding the water bottle against his chest. "I can do both, you know. Multitasking is a skill." He uncrossed his arms and tried once more, practically shoving the bottle into her hand. "Come on. Take it. I don't want you passing out on my project."

She huffed, grabbing the bottle reluctantly. "Fine, but don't act like this makes us best friends or something. I'm just doing my job."

Alexander laughed, a low, casual sound that she suspected he had practiced. "Is it really a job if you're having so much fun?" he teased, watching her take a grudging sip of water.

"Fun?" Claire sputtered, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. "This is hardly my definition of fun, Alexander. Besides, I'm basically doing your job at this point."

"Oh, I knew you'd say that," he said with a dramatic sigh. "You know, you could stand to loosen up a little. Embrace the chaos. Look around you this place is buzzing, and it's partly thanks to you."

Claire glanced around at the bustling hotel lobby, where workers were setting up installations and decor to match Alexander's vision. She had to admit, that seeing it all come together was a little satisfying, even if she hated to give him credit for anything. "Maybe," she muttered, finishing off the water bottle. "But just because I can pull this off doesn't mean I'm going to start enjoying it."

Alexander clapped his hands once, as if she'd just announced her commitment to the project. "That's the spirit! Now, come on. There's still a lot to do before tonight's preview event."

She rolled her eyes but followed him

toward the upper floors where the rooftop robot was scheduled to bex placed. This was the crown jewel of Alexander's grand concept-the rooftop bar with its panoramic view of the Vegas Strip, guided by an Al with a smooth voice and impeccable manners.

"So, do we have a backup plan if your precious Al decides to, I don't know, go rogue?" Alxander asked dryly as they approached the elevator.

Claire smirked, unbothered. "Why? You worried it'll turn into a sci-fi horror movie?"

"More like a comedy, if I know you," Alexander shot back, smirking.noveldrama

"Oh, have a little faith," Claire replied, pressing the button for the rooftop. "This isn't some half-baked plan, Alex. These robots are cutting edge, top of the line. And my team build this robot as your request

He put his hands up in surrender. "Alright. I was just messing with you. After the Venus press release, I just want to make sure that your robot won't do something like that, that will eventually scared the guest." Claire rolled her eyes. "Don't worry. Metacortex is a hundred times better than Venus AMD. You and I both know that."

As they exited the elevator onto the rooftop, they were greeted by a stunning view of the Las Vegas skyline. Claire had to admit, as much as she loathed Alexander's over-the-top style, he knew how to make an impression.

They passed by a few passersby who were already snapping photos of the outside view of the hotel, clearly intrigued by the flashy, futuristic aesthetic.

Claire watched them for a moment, a small smile tugging at her lips. For all the headaches Alexander put her through, she had to admit-there was something undeniably thrilling about bringing a vision to life.

As they walked back toward the lobby, Alexander looked at her with a smirk. "So, since you and I kinda work brilliantly today and we didn't almost kill each other as usual. Why don't we have dinner together?" Claire turned to him with a blank expression as she crossed her arms over her chest. "No."

Alexander is taken aback, eyes widen. "What? Are you serious?"

"Dead serious." Claire's expression remains the same.

"Why? Is it because you are in a relationship with Adrian that's why you don't want to have dinner with me? Are you scared that your boyfriend will broke up with you over a simple dinner?"

Claire clicked her tongue in disbelief.

"I really can't believe you, Alex.

Everything was just fine until you brought up that topic. Remember we are merely business partners

nothing more." Claire turned

dgn

her

heels and made her way out of the

hotel.

"Dammit! Why is she so hard to deal with." Alexander stared at her back as she left the hotel.