New beginning: Billionaire love story

As the doors of the robotic door swung open, Claire walked out, followed closely by Matthew and Stephen. The high-tech lab, full of whirring machines and blinking lights, had always felt like a second home to Claire. But now, as they stepped into the quiet corridor, her mind was still buzzing with thoughts of their latest project.

"So, what do you think?" Claire asked, glancing over at Stephen, who was still looking back at the robotic room with a thoughtful expression.

Stephen rubbed his chin, pausing for a moment before speaking. "There are a few things the team got wrong in building the robot," he said, his tone analytical. "But nothing too critical. The sensors could be more responsive, and the joint movements need some tweaking, but overall, it's solid."

Claire nodded as she listened to Stephen list out the points. She appreciated his attention to detail-it was one of the reasons she valued his input so much. "Thank you for the feedback," she said sincerely. "It's always good to have a fresh pair of eyes on these things." Stephen smiled, clearly pleased. "No problem. I actually enjoyed it. Working with robots again, I didn't realize how much I missed it."

Claire turned to him with a curious look. "So, does this mean you'd be interested in joining the team?"

Stephen looked contemplative for a moment, weighing his options. Then he turned to Claire, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "Yes, I'd like to join the robotics team, if you'll have me."

A grin broke out on Claire's lips, and she nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! We'd be lucky to have you. Thank you for considering it."

Matthew, who had been walking beside them with his usual casual swagger, suddenly pulled Stephen into a bear hug. "Welcome aboard, buddy!" he said with a laugh. "Looks like we'll be seeing a lot more of each other."

Stephen chuckled, patting Matthew's back. "We already see each other almost every day, Matthew."

"Yeah, but now it's gonna be 24/7!" Matthew joked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Claire watched the exchange with a smile, feeling a sense of satisfaction. It was good to see her team coming together, especially with someone as talented as Stephen joining them. "You can start tomorrow," she said to Stephen. "I'll have all your access sorted out, and we'll set up your desk."

"Great," Stephen replied, genuinely happy. "Thanks, Ms. Peterson. I'm looking forward to it." With that, he gave a small wave and headed towards the elevator, leaving Claire and Matthew standing in the hallway.

Matthew nudged Claire's elbow playfully. "Well, that was a success," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "I've got a feeling this project will be done in record time. Maybe even before three months."

Claire smiled at his optimism. "Let's not jinx it. We'll just have to wait and see."

As they walked back to her office, the time ticked by. Claire's phone buzzed with a new message. She pulled it out, expecting another work-related text. Her face immediately changed as she read the name on the screen-Robert.novelbin

Her gaze grew cold as she read the text. Matthew, who was busy closing his laptop, noticed the shift in her demeanor. "What's up? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Claire sighed, showing him the phone screen. "I got a text from Robert."

Matthew's face turned serious, all traces of humor gone. "Robert? What does he want?"

Claire face turn serious as she read the message aloud. "He's inviting me to dinner."

Matthew shook his head, his expression darkening. "Claire, you can't go. Who knows what he's planning? He's never up to any good."

"I know," Claire said, her voice steady but thoughtful. "I don't trust him either. But why would he invite me out of the blue like this? It doesn't make sense."

Matthew's eyes narrowed. "Maybe he's trying to set you up. It's too risky, Claire. Don't do it."

She knew Matthew was right. Robert wasn't someone you could take lightly. Still, curiosity gnawed at her. Why now? Why a dinner invitation? "I'm thinking of not going," she said, almost to herself. "But...I am curious." Matthew raised an eyebrow. "You're not seriously considering going, are you?"

Claire looked up, meeting his eyes. "I'll go."

Matthew stared at her, stunned. "You can't be serious. If you're going, then I'm coming with you."

Claire shook her head firmly. "No, Matthew. I need to do this alone. Besides, you know how much Robert despises you, especially after I gave you Metacortex shares. It'll only make things worse."

Matthew crossed his arms, his frown deepening. "And you think he doesn't despise you? Claire, this is a bad idea."

"Maybe," Claire admitted, "but I need to find out what he wants or what plan he has."

As the sky darkened into a canvas of deep blues and purples, Claire's sleek black car pulled up to the grand entrance of the Robert mansion. The house, which Claire had once dreamed of buying for herself, loomed in front of her with its imposing facade and twinkling lights. She stepped out of the car, smoothing down her dress and adjusting her clutch.

With a deep breath, Claire pressed the doorbell, the chime echoing through the large hall. The door swung open almost immediately, and the maid greeted her with a warm smile. It was clear the maid recognized her-after all, this wasn't Claire's first visit.

"Good evening, Miss Claire," the maid said with a practiced politeness. "Please, come in."

Claire offered a tight smile and

stepped inside, the cool air of the mansion greeting her. She followed the maid through the opulent hallway, her heels clicking against the marble floor. Despite knowing exactly where the dining room was, Claire didn't mind the familiar tour. It gave her a chance to observe the decor and enjoy the slight feeling of nostalgia mixed with frustration.

The maid announced Claire's arrival to Robert and Joan. Claire could hear the muffled sounds of cheerful exclamations before the dining room door was opened for her. Robert and Gretta stood up from their seats, their faces plastered with smiles that Claire knew were as fake as a store-bought charm.

"Claire! How wonderful to see you!" Robert exclaimed, his smile a bit too wide.

Gretta's smile was equally exaggerated. "Yes, it's been far too long!"

Claire's own expression remained cold, her lips pressed into a thin line. She gave a curt nod to both of them. "Hello, Robert. Gretta." She then turned her gaze to Robert, raising an eyebrow. "What's the occasion? Why the sudden invite?"

Robert's smilę didn't falter, but there

was a slight twitch in his eye. "Oh, you know," he said, leaning on the back of his chair as if it were the most casual thing in the world. "It's been a while since we last saw each other. Since we are no longer

working in the same company, after all."

Claire's eyebrows shot up in mock surprise. "Really? I hadn't noticed," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "I'm sure it's not because you betrayed my company or anything."

Robert's smile wavered just a fraction before he quickly recovered. "Oh Claire, you are still funny as ever."

Claire's lips curled into a smile as she took her seat at the table. "Well, I must say, this is certainly turning out to be quite the entertaining evening."