New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 18 Stole the show

day party

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to Mick's birthday

H

As Mick's birthday party unfolded in a lively atmosphere, Robert took center stage, welcoming the guests with warmth and enthusiasm. The room erupted in applause and cheers, everyone clearly excited to celebrate the occasion

Claire who was eager to hear Dennis explanation got interrupted as the party is starting. Dennis immediately excused himself to go back to his table. Before Claire can stop him, Dennis is out of sight.

The question still lingers in her bead about the house. She is determined to seek the answers but decides to put that aside for now since the only informant has gone back to his family.

was engaged in a conversation with a young woman. Sensing Claire's unease,

Claire decided to return to her table where Matthew was Matthew paused and asked her what was wrong

Claire shook her head slightly, indicating that it wasn't the right time to discuss it. "I'll tell you later," she murmured, trying to push aside her growing concerns about Dennis's words.

Meanwhile, Robert continued to charm the guests, expressing his gratitude for their presence, and inviting his wife and son to join him in blowing out the birthday candles. The room filled with the cheerful melody of the "Happy Birthday" song, guests clapping and singing along in unison.

Claire watched the festivities with a blank expression, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of the mysterious mention of her house. She couldn't shake off the feeling of unease, wondering why someone would imply that her house was being sold without her knowledge. Her train of thought was interrupted by a sudden burst of cheering, drawing her attention back to the party. She joined in the applause, trying to focus on the present moment. Suddenly, Gretta, Robert's wife, took the microphone from him, signaling an unexpected twist in the celebration. Robert looked slightly puzzled, not aware of his wife's plans.

"Greetings, everyone!" Gretta's voice echoed through the room, commanding attention. "We have a special surprise for you tonight."

Claire's curiosity piqued as she wondered what Gretta had up her sleeve. The lights shifted toward Claire, who was seated at the back, causing her to shield her eyes momentarily from the brightness.

"Claire Peterson, please join us!"

Claire, dressed elegantly in a floor-length gown, navigated through the crowd with a smile, her graceful demeanor befitting her role as the CEO of a prominent company. She had no inkling of what was about to unfold.

As Claire stepped onto the stage beside Gretta. she couldn't suppress a curious smile. "What's going on, Gretta?" she whispered, her voice laced with curiosity.

Gretta, wearing a smug expression, ignored Claire's question, and turned to address the guests.

"Ladies and gentlemen," she announced, her voice carrying across the room, "we have a special treat tonight. Claire will be delighting us with a piano performance."

Claire's eyes widened in surprise and a hint of apprehension. She hadn't anticipated Gretta's revenge for their earlier conversation about jewelry. The thought of performing in front of such a distinguished audience made her pulse quicken

However, Claire wasn't one to back down from a challenge. Despite her initial shock, she plastered on a confident smile, determined not to let Gretta have the upper hand.

With graceful poise, Claire took her seat at the grand piano. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and let her fingers glide over the krys. At first, there was a stumble, a wrong note that caused a brief moment of tension. But then, as the music flowed, Claire found her rhythm...

The melody of a classical piece filled the air, and Claire's fingers danced with skill and precision. Her eyes remained closed, lost in the music's enchantment.

The audience, initially skeptical, was soon captivated by Claire's unexpected talent.

Gretta, who had hoped to witness Claire's embarrassment, felt a surge of irritation as she watched the crowd's admiration grow. Her grip on the microphone tightened, her expression souring with each note Claire played flawlessly.

As Claire reached the crescendo of the piece, her eyes opened, meeting a standing ovation from the guests. The applause thundered through the room, drowning out any doubts about Claire's abilities.

Meanwhile, Robert, Gretta's husband, observed the scene with a mixture of surprise and frustration. He shot a glare at Gretta for letting this happen

Gretta looked away and squirmed under his gaze.

The party continued with renewed energy, but the talk of the evening had shifted. Instead of Mick's birthday, the guests were buzzing about Claire's impromptu plano performance, praising her talent and grace. "Ms. Peterson that was an amazing performance."

"That piece was indeed difficult."

Claire, now surrounded by well-wishers and admirers, accepted their compliments with humility and gratitude.

Robert watched with a mixture of irritation and anger. This event was supposed to be about his family, particularly his son Mick, but it seemed like all attention was on Claire

Unable to contain his frustration any longer, Robert grabbed Gretta, his wife, and pulled her aside into the kitchen, away from prying

"What the hell was that, Gretta?" Robert hissed; his voice edged with anger.

Gretta looked taken aback by Robert's sudden outburst. "What do you mean, dear?"

"Why did you ask Claire to play the piano?" Robert demanded; his frustration evident.

Gretta crossed her arms defensively. "I was just trying to add some excitement to the evening. Besides, Claire couldn't even play the piano properly. I thought it would be amusing"

"Yeah, and you are wrong. Claire played that piano perfectly. And now everyone is talking about her not about Mick or even us. This was supposed to be our night"

Gretta continued her explanation. "But Claire humiliated me earlier in front of my friends. She corrected me about the necklace I was wearing, sald I got the stone wrong. It was embarrassing" Robert ran a hand through his hair in exasperation, "This isn't the way to handle it."

Gretta hesitated but continue to talk. "I think Claire is suspicious about the necklace I wear. She kept glancing at it. Do you think she knows we stole it?"

"We did not stole it, Gretta. Her family died along with her. It wasn't our fault, we take what can be use."

Behind the kitchen wall, Claire listened in on their conversation, her suspicions confirmed. Her fists clenched.

Without a word, Claire turned and quietly left the kitchen, making sure she wasn't seen or heard. She didn't want Robert and Gretta to know that she had overheard their conversation. As she walked away, Claire's mind raced with thoughts of how to handle the situation. Matthew caught Claire figure exiting the house and he follow suit.

"Claire, where are you going?"

"Home"

Tell

me what's wrong. You look distracted earlier."

Claire looked around the house to make sure e no one is listening.

"I'll tell you in the car."

As their car arrived, they didn't waste time and quickly climbed inside Claire didn't even said her goodbyes to the host due to the newfound information she eavesdropped. "Okay, now tell me."

She looked out the window with a blank expression,

A tear dropped down on her cheek. She turn to Matthew, her eyes blazing with anger and sadness.

"I need to find the answers."