New beginning: Billionaire love story novel Chapter 306

Claire took the glass of champagne from the passing waiter. As she got out of the car earlier, she felt the attention of every eye around her. Photographers turned their cameras towards her, capturing her every move. She had a hunch. The dress she was wearing might be a bit too much, but Talia insisted, saying, “You only live once, girl!” That’s how Claire ended up in the daring outfit, feeling a mix of confidence and nervousness.

Talia was already buzzing with excitement as she watched the horses getting into position. “This is so thrilling!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

Claire nodded, taking a sip of her champagne, trying to match Talia’s enthusiasm. “Yeah, it’s something, isn’t it?”

Just then, a light cough from behind caught her attention. Claire turned around to see a young man standing there, a charming smile on his face and a glass of champagne in hand.

“I couldn’t help but notice you,” he said, his voice smooth. “You look absolutely stunning.”

Claire gave him a polite smile. “Thank you.”

The man extended his hand, his smile widening. “I’m Edward. Prince Edward, actually.”

Claire’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, but she kept her cool and shook his hand. “Claire Peterson. Nice to meet you."

Edward’s smile brightened even more. “The pleasure is mine, Claire.”

Talia, who had been observing the exchange, looked stunned. Her eyes darted between Claire and Edward, her mind racing. A prince?! This day was getting more exciting by the second.

Claire turned to Talia and introduced her. “This is my friend, Talia.”

Talia awkwardly smiled and offered her hand. “Nice to meet you, Prince Edward."

Edward nodded politely at Talia, but his gaze quickly returned to Claire. “So, is this your first time at the Royal Ascot?”

Claire shook her head, keeping her tone calm. “No, it’s my second time.”

Edward nodded thoughtfully. “No wonder I haven’t seen you before. I’m sure I would’ve remembered.”

“Yeah,” Claire replied simply, taking another sip of her drink. Her voice was steady and gave nothing away, which seemed to throw Edward off his game.

Edward shifted his weight, suddenly looking awkward. He was used to women giggling and fawning over him, but Claire was different. She seemed so composed, almost like she wasn’t impressed by his title or charm. He cleared his throat and tried again.

Meanwhile, Adrian and Henry were watching the scene unfold from a distance. Henry looked like he was about to burst out laughing but managed to hold it back, maintaining his composed image as a viscount. Adrian, hands shoved in his pockets, chuckled and shook his head.

“I think Edward’s struggling a bit,” Adrian said with a grin.

Henry nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Oh, definitely. He’s not used to this.”

“So, do you enjoy watching horse racing?” he asked, glancing at the track where the jockeys were getting ready.

Claire shrugged. “It’s entertaining, but I don’t watch it often.”

Edward nodded, trying to think of something clever to say, but his usual confidence was faltering. “Well, if you’d like, I have a private booth. The view is quite something.”

Claire raised her eyebrows, a small smile playing on her lips. “How old are you, Edward?”

Edward blinked, clearly not expecting that question. “Uh, twenty-three.”

Claire nodded again, her smile widening slightly. “You’ve got a lot to learn about charming women.” With that, she turned and walked away with Talia, heading towards their own booth.

Edward stood there, looking a bit stunned, his mind racing with what had just happened. He was used to things going his way, but this was...different.

Henry couldn’t hold it in any longer and burst out laughing, clutching his sides. “Oh, Edward! That was priceless!” he exclaimed, tears of laughter forming in his eyes.

Adrian, still grinning, patted Edward on the back. “Don’t take it too hard, mate. She’s a tough one.”

Edward sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t get it. Usually, they’re all over me.”

“Not this one apparently.” Henry said, shaking his head.

Claire and Talia were making their way toward their booth, the crowd buzzing with excitement around them. Talia, still a bit shocked from what she'd just overheard, leaned in closer to Claire. “Did I hear that right? Prince Edward was talking to you?”