New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 9 Betrayal

In the meeting room, Alex laid out his vision for the new hotel chain in Las Vegas. He emphasized that by the end of 2024, it would be up and running

"We need to think outside the box," he said to his team, "something that will set us apart from the rest.

He explained his concept in detail, highlighting what he wanted and what he didn't want.

*Luxury and elegance are overdone in Vegas," he remarked. "We need something mysterious, something that will pique people's

curiosity.

After assigning three team members to find an interior designer, the meeting concluded. Alex made his way to his office, but as he entered, he was surprised to find Christian lounging on his couch, engrossed in a game on his phone. Alex greeted him sarcastically, to which Christian responded with a grin and a salute. "Working hard, I see," Alex remarked dryly.

Christian chuckled. "Just taking a breather, boss. So, tell me about this new concept for the hotel chain."

"I'm thinking to go for a mysterious but technology theme."

"Why?"

"Because it is unusual, and it will pique people interest."

Talding a seat across from Christian, Alex explained his idea for a mysterious theme. "I want to hire The Raven," he said, leaning forward "Wait, who again?"

"The Raven.

Christian looked puzzled. "Who names their lod "The Raven.""

Alex rolled his eyes. "It's an allas. Chris."

"Oh, who's The Raven?"

Alex explained that The Raven was a hacker, shrouded in mystery. "No one knows who it is, but they are known for their notorious skills."

HNôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Christian was hesitant to express his w

"That is quite something.

his worries despite his reservations. Alex looked genuinely enthused about the concept, after all.

Christian couldn't shake the feeling of confusion as he watched his boss as well as his best friend, Alex, enthusiastically embrace a mysterious with a technology concept for Alex project.

"The idea is to create an immersive experience for guests, where they would have to solve puzzles or crack codes during their stay."

Something like the Matrix," Christian remarked, catching on to the concept

"Exactly," Alexagreed. "But I can't seem to find her contact information anywhere. It seems like her email has vanished,"

"Have you contacted her before?" Alex nodded.

"It means you still have her email then?"

"That's the problem. First my email got banned then her email suddenly disappear as if it never existed."

"Didn't you mention earlier that The Raven is a hacker? Maybe whoever that person is doing it on purpose so no one can reach them." Alex thought of what Christian has said. It makes sense to him. He had send her go email or maybe more but none of them are never

answer.

Christian raised an eyebrow. "So, how do you plan to reach her?"

Alex sighed, feeling frustrated. "I'll figure it out. I have to."

Christian offered his support. "Don't worry, boss. We'll find a way to contact her. We always do."

Alex's phone suddenly rang, interrupting the momentum. He quickly answered, finding his mother on the line, her voice filled with

"Hello, Mum," Alex greeted.

H

Itis mother wasted no time in getting to the point.

"Alex, I heard about the divorce with Claire. Are you okay?

Alex let out a weary sigh. "Yeah, Mum, everything's fine. It's all been taken care of, and we are officially divorced."

His mother's tone softened, but concern still lingered. "I just don't understand why you two couldn't work things out. Claire was always so sweet and caring"

"It's complicated, Mum. Things just weren't working between us.

His mother fell silent for a moment, then spoke again, her words measured,

"I respect your decisions, Alex. But promise me you'll take care of yourself. Don't work too late and make sure you're eating well."

Alex nodded, grateful for his mother's concern. "I promise, Mum. I'll take better care of myself"

"And I will take care of Alex aunt Mella"

Christians grinned mischievously which cause Alex to throw a pillow at him.

"Don't listen to him Mum. Talk to you later,"

As the call ended, Christian can't help but teased Alex for still being a mama boy.

Robert burst into Claire's office, his face red with anger. He couldn't believe it. On Claire's first day was she thinking? He demanded answers, his frustration evident. lay as CEO, she had fired Pedro. W

What

"What the hell, Claire? Why did you fire Pedro?"

Calmly finished signing a document before turning to face him. Claire leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable.

"So, you've heard the news,"

Claire knew this kind of news would be the talk in the company. The employees are rather grateful since they do not like Pedro Petain

Robert's frustration grew as Claire seemed unfazed by his anger.

"Of course, I've heard the news! It's what everyone has been talking about." he snapped

Claire raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by Robert's outburst.

"Do you have a problem with my decision, Robert?"

"Yes, I do!" Robert exclaimed. "Pedro has been a valuable asset to me. He was the one who help me while you were gone, and you just fire him like that."

Claire saw through his excuse. She suppressed a smirk. She knew exactly what kind of "help" Pedro had been providing Robert - lining up his own pockets at the expense of the company.

She buzzed her secretary, who was now someone new

"Have you meet my new secretary, Robert?"

Robert's eyes widened in surprise as he noticed the new face.

She handing over the document to her new secretary.

"Do you know that Pedro sold his shares to me?" Claire asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Robert's eyes widened in disbelief. His heart sank as he realized the implications of Claire owning Pedro's shares. How could Pedro be so foolish to sell them to her instead of him? He felt a sense of betrayal creeping in. ""You're lying."

"What would I gain from lying to you?"

"He sold his shares to you How could he?" Robert stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Claire's smile widened at Robert's stunned expression.

"You should take the day off -you look like you could use some rest.

As Robert turned to leave her office Claire called him

"A little advice for you Robert, do not trust someone that easily, once did that and it did not go well.

A smirk etched on Claire's face as she atter those words.

Robert know who the person Claire is talking about.

It was himself.

With nothing left to say, Robert left Claire's office, feeling defeated and powerless. He realized then that Claire was not to be underestimated she was a force to be reckoned with.

Claire watched him go with satisfaction. She had managed to not only fire Pedro but also acquire his shares in the company. She is close to take over the company and replaced Robert's people.

Claire has took away his knight.

Her next move is to get closer to the queen.

Which in this case, Robert is the queen.

His eyes move to the new secretary.

She has managed to replaced his secretary, fired Pedro while also buying his shares, what's next she has upon her sleeves? "I need to do something."