New beginning: Billionaire love story

"I know your plan, Gretta," Claire said smoothly, her voice laced with quiet menace.

Gretta's lips parted slightly, but she quickly masked her surprise, setting her glass down with controlled ease. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Claire chuckled softly, stepping closer. "Oh, don't insult my intelligence. I know exactly what you've been up to. You're trying to free Lisa. You want her to do your dirty work while you keep your hands clean."

Gretta's heartbeat quickened, but she forced herself to maintain her composed demeanor. "That's ridiculous," she scoffed. "Lisa is mentally unstable. Everyone knows that."

Claire's smile widened as she shook her head. "Oh, Gretta. Your lies reek from miles away."

The older woman stiffened, her nails digging into her palm.

"You were the one who told Lisa to act crazy," Claire continued. "All so she wouldn't end up in prison for what she did. But Lisa was never insane, was she?"

Gretta said nothing.

Claire took another slow step forward, her piercing gaze never leaving Gretta's face. “You manipulated everyone. You made Lisa put on an act, all so she could escape real punishment. You used her, and now you want to set her loose again. But I won't let that happen."

Gretta clenched her jaw, her breath unsteady. Claire's words struck like daggers, each one cutting deep because they were true.

But she wouldn't let Claire see her crumble.

"You have no proof," Gretta finally said, lifting her chin defiantly. "It's all speculation."

Claire smirked. "Oh, you're so predictable."

She folded her arms, her expression turning ice-cold. "I know you're lying, Gretta. And do you want to know how I know?"

Gretta remained silent.

Claire leaned in slightly, her voice lowering into something far more dangerous.

"Because I've done my homework."

At that moment, Gretta felt the floor beneath her metaphorically crack.

Claire continued, her voice filled with mockery. "You claim you did all of this for justice, but we both know that's a lie." She tilted her head. "Admit it. This isn't about justice. It's about revenge. You think I ruined your life. You think I destroyed your family."

Gretta's hands curled into fists. "You did ruin my family," she spat.

Claire let out a laugh—an amused, delighted sound that sent chills down Gretta's spine.

"Oh, Gretta," Claire mused darkly, her expression turning deadly. "The only person who destroyed a family is you."

Gretta gritted her teeth. "You-"

Claire snapped her fingers.

Almost instantly, several police officers emerged from their hiding spots within the penthouse. They moved swiftly, guns drawn, their expressions unreadable but firm.

Gretta's eyes widened in pure shock.

Her head snapped back to Claire. "What is this?" she demanded, her voice rising in panic.

Claire simply smirked. "A little gift from me," she said mockingly. "For being such a manipulative and cheeky aunt."

The lead officer stepped forward, gripping Gretta's arm. "Gretta Robertson, you are under arrest."

Gretta's mind raced. This wasn't happening.

"No!" she shrieked, thrashing against their hold. "Let me go! You can't do this to me!"

Claire merely watched, arms crossed, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes.

"Take her away," Claire ordered smoothly.

The officers didn't hesitate.

"CLAIRE!" Gretta bellowed as they dragged her toward the door. "YOU'LL REGRET THIS! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU'VE JUST DONE!"

Claire simply waved lazily. "Goodbye, Gretta."

The penthouse doors swung shut behind them, the air suddenly much quieter without Gretta's wails echoing off the walls.noveldrama

Claire exhaled, taking a moment to enjoy the silence.

Another enemy down.

A month had passed since the investigation concluded, and today marked the final chapter in the long, grueling battle against Robert and Gretta.

Claire sat in the courtroom, her posture poised yet relaxed, her expression unreadable. The grand room was filled with whispers as people waited for the trial to begin. She felt the weight of the moment but took comfort in the presence of her closest allies.

Matthew sat beside her, his usual calm demeanor unwavering. Alexander and Christian occupied the row behind them, both men watching the proceedings with unreadable expressions. Across the room, Adrian Saint Laurent sat with his family, his gaze lingering on Claire, as if silently reassuring her that he was there. Beside him, Talia gave Claire a small, encouraging nod.

Claire appreciated their presence. She hadn't expected Alexander to attend, but for once, she let it slide.

Just this once.

The trial stretched on for hours.

The prosecution laid out every piece of damning evidence the corruption, the embezzlement, the manipulation, and worst of all, the orchestrated deaths of the Peterson family. Video footage, financial records, and witness testimonies painted an airtight case. Claire watched as Robert and Gretta squirmed in their seats, their once-confident expressions gradually shifting to fear.

The defense tried to fight back, but it was futile.

Eventually, after long deliberations, the judge announced the verdict.

Robert Peterson-40 years in prison. Gretta Robertson-25 years. The courtroom fell into a heavy silence.

Claire exhaled slowly. It's over.

She watched as Robert clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. By the time he got out-if he even made it-he would be well into his eighties. The thought made Claire smirk

slightly. Will he even survive that long?

She doubted it.

Given his arrogant nature, the pressure of being locked up would likely break him long before his sentence ended.

Gretta, on the other hand, would be in prison for at least 25 years. Even if she behaved well, parole wouldn't be an option for over a decade.

Claire turned her gaze toward them, her expression devoid of sympathy.

As expected, the moment the officers moved in to take them away, both Robert and Gretta erupted.

"You bitch!" Robert spat, struggling against the officers. "You think you've won?! You'll pay for this!"

Gretta screamed in rage. "Everything you have, you stole from us! You're going to regret this, Claire!"

Claire only smiled.

They could scream and curse all they wanted.

They couldn't touch her anymore.

As the officers dragged them away, their voices faded into the distance.

Claire let out a long sigh, a weight she hadn't realized she was carrying finally lifting off her shoulders.

"It's over," Matthew murmured beside her.

Claire turned to look at them, the corners of her lips curling into a small but

genuine smile. "Thank you," she said softly.

She felt Adrian's warmth beside her as he wrapped an arm around her waist. Instinctively, she leaned into him, feeling the steady rhythm of his breathing. It was comforting

Adrian had been quiet throughout most of this ordeal, but Claire knew he had

been watching closely.

She had told him everything.

At first, he had been disappointed—frustrated that she hadn't involved him in the investigation.

"You should have told me," Adrian had said the night she confessed everything. "I could have helped you, Claire."

Claire had shaken her head. "I didn't want anything bad to happen to you. This wasn't your battle to fight."

Adrian had sighed then, running a hand through his hair. He wasn't happy about it, but eventually, he let it go.

And now, standing beside her in the courtroom, he was simply happy to see her free from enemies.

Claire glanced at him, and he met her gaze, squeezing her waist slightly. No words were needed.

She knew what he was thinking.

They had finally reached the end of the storm.

As they exited the courthouse, the sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson. Claire took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp evening air.

"Well," Talia said, walking up beside her, "that was eventful."

Claire chuckled. "Understatement of the year."

Matthew smirked slightly. "Now that all of this is behind us, what's next for you?"

Claire paused for a moment, looking up at the sky.

She hadn't thought that far ahead.

For so long, her life had been consumed by battles-fighting to take back

Metacortex, exposing corruption, dealing with the threats that constantly surrounded her.

But now...

Now she was free.

A slow smile spread across her lips. "I think I'll figure it out as I go."

Matthew chuckled. "That's very you."

Christian, who had been mostly silent throughout the trial, spoke up. "If you ever

need anything, you know where to find me."

Claire turned to him, raising a brow. "Even if I call in the middle of the night?"

Christian smirked. "Even then."

She rolled her eyes but appreciated the sentiment.

Alexander, who had been standing off to the side, finally stepped forward. "For what it's worth," he said quietly, "you handled this well."

Claire studied him for a moment before giving a small nod. "For once, I'll take that

as a compliment."

Alexander sighed but let the jab slide. "Just try not to get yourself into another mess anytime soon."

"No promises," Claire said with a smirk.

He exhaled heavily, shaking his head. "Of course not."

As the group walked down the courthouse steps, Adrian leaned in, pressing a kiss

to Claire's temple.

"You did it," he murmured against her hair.

Claire smiled, feeling warmth spread through her chest.

"Yeah," she whispered. "I did."

And for the first time in a long time—

Claire Peterson felt at peace.