New beginning: Billionaire love story

"I've got some...surprising news to share,"

Jack raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? Now you've got me curious. What's going on?"

Claire leaned forward slightly, her tone turning more serious. "We're working on something big-something that could change the direction of Metacortex entirely. We've started a new division focused on robotics."

Jack's eyes widened in surprise, and he let out a low whistle. "Robotics? That's quite the leap from what we're known for." Jack leaned back in his chair, giving Claire a curious look. "So, why the sudden interest in robots? I mean, you've never been the 'build-a-bot' type before."

"Believe me, Jack, it wasn't my idea to dive into the world of robotics. But none of the robot companies wanted to take my order for three robots in three months. They all turned me down, saying it was 'impossible' or 'too risky.' Can you believe that?" Jack chuckled, shaking his head. "So, you decided to do it yourself? That's a pretty bold move, Claire."

Claire smirked with a spark of determination in her eyes. "Well, I didn't have much of a choice. The deal I made with Harris Hotel was that I'd handle all the technology stuff, including these robots. If I back out now, the whole contract could be terminated, and that's not an option."

Jack's expression became more serious as he leaned forward.

"But are you sure this is the right thing to do? I mean, building robots from scratch isn't exactly a walk in the park."

Claire nodded confidently; her tone unwavering. "It's either take the risk or watch the contract go down the drain. And I'm not about to let that happen."

Jack sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he considered her words. "This is a big risk, Claire. I mean, what if it doesn't work out? If the robots fail, people all over the globe will make news about it. There's a good chance our stock market will drop, and you know the shareholders won't be happy about that."

Claire's smirk faded as she leaned back in her chair, a serious expression taking over. "I'm aware of the risks, Jack. That's exactly why I haven't informed the shareholders. I prefer to tell them once the project is done because I want to keep it confidential. If I inform them now, Venus might find out, and they'll probably try to steal my ideas again. I won't let that happen."

Jack nodded slowly, understanding her reasoning but still looking concerned. "I get that, but it's not wise to leave the shareholders in the dark, especially if they find out how much this is costing the company. It could backfire."

Claire gave him a small smile, trying to ease his worries. "I'll deal with it when the time comes. What's important is that you already know, so technically, I'm not leaving the shareholders completely in the dark. Consider yourself my insider."

Jack chuckled lightly, the tension in his shoulders easing a bit. "Well, when you put it that way, I guess I can't argue with you. Still, it's a lot of pressure, Claire. But if anyone can pull this off, it's you."

Claire's smile grew as she leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Thank you, Jack. That means a lot coming from you. And don't worry, I've got this under control. I've already had Abigail working on the designs, and I'm bringing in some of the best engineers to help out. It's going to be tight, but we'll make it happen."

Jack raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Best engineers, huh? Are they as crazy as you when it comes to taking risks?"

Claire laughed, shaking her head. "Maybe even crazier. But that's exactly what I need right now-people who aren't afraid to push the boundaries."

Jack nodded, leaning back in his chair again, more relaxed than before. "Well, I'll leave everything in your capable hands. After all, you're the CEO, and if anyone can pull off a miracle, it's you."

Claire chuckled, appreciating his support. "Thanks, Jack. I'll keep you updated as things progress, but for now, just trust me. We're going to make this work."

Jack smiled, a mix of admiration and concern in his eyes. "I trust you, Claire. Just promise me you'll take care of yourself, too. Don't let this project consume you."Owned by NôvelDrama.Org.

I promise, Jack. I won't let it get out of hand. But right now, this project is my top priority."

Alexander finally returned to London after his whirlwind trip to Las Vegas, which, though brief, had felt like an eternity. The project he was overseeing had to go smoothly, no room for error.

Just as he was about to pull out his phone to check in on the project, it started ringing. The screen lit up with a name that immediately made him groan: Christian. His best mate was calling, and if Alex knew Christian, this wasn't going to be a quick chat.

"Christian," Alex answered, trying to keep his voice neutral. He wasn't in the mood for one of Christian's overly enthusiastic conversations.

"Alex! Mate! You finally answered my calls!" Christian's voice boomed through the phone, as cheerful as ever. Alex frowned, his brows knitting together in confusion. Why on earth was Christian so chipper?

"Why are you so cheerful?" Alex asked, suspicion lacking his words.

"Sugar, my friend. Lots and lots of sugar," Christian replied with a laugh. "But more importantly, I heard you're back in London!"

Alex's brows shot up. "And how exactly did you hear that?"

"Oh, you know, I have my sources," Christian said, his tone playful, clearly mocking Alex's usual line. Alex rolled his eyes, leaning back in his seat.

"Very funny. Now, why are you really calling me?"

"Well," Christian began, drawing out the word as if he were about to drop some big news, "tonight's the night, my friend."

Alex blinked, confused. "The night for what?"

"The annual family charity banquet!" Christian exclaimed as if this was the most obvious thing in the world.

Alex's heart sank as realization dawned. The annual banquet-how could he have forgotten? He cursed under his breath, feeling the weight of the responsibility settle over him like a heavy blanket. "Damn it, Christian, I completely forgot about that."

"Clearly," Christian said with a chuckle. "So, are you coming?"

Alex sighed, rubbing a hand over his tired face. The last thing he wanted to do was attend some stuffy

banquet after a long flight. All he et

wanted was to collapse into bed and sleep for a week. "Can't you go in my place this year?" he asked with a hint of desperation in his voice.

"Alex, you know I can't," Christian replied, his tone taking on a more serious note. "I already covered for you last year, and your mother was not pleased. You need to be there this time."

Alex groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose as if that would somehow alleviate the growing headache. "Fine, fine. I'll go. But I'm going to be late."

"Better late than not attending at all," Christian quipped, clearly amused by Alex's reluctance.

เวน

Alex stared at his phone, debating whether there was any way he could get out of this, but he knew Christian was right. His mother would be furious if he didn't show up, and that was a wrath he wasn't in the mood to deal with. "I'll be there," he muttered, resigned to his fate.

"Good man!" Christian said, his tone brightening again. "I'll see you there."

As Christian ended the call, he found himself in a cozy little coffee shop, the scent of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. He stepped up to the counter, ready to place his order, when another hand reached for the same cup, he was eyeing. "Sorry!" he said automatically, glancing at the person beside him.

"No worries, it's-" The woman's voice trailed off, and Christian felt a jolt of recognition.

He squinted his eyes, trying to place where he knew that voice from. And then it hit him. "Talia?" he blurted out, eyes widening in surprise.