New beginning: Billionaire love story

Gretta stood on her grand balcony; her gaze fixed on the dark, starry sky. The cool night breeze played with her hair as she swirled the wine in her glass, the red liquid catching the moonlight. She couldn't shake the frustration gnawing at her. Her plan had failed, and the disappointment weighed heavily on her.

Her mind drifted back to the conversation she had with Lisa last night at the hospital. In truth, it wasn't Gretta's intention to visit her but for some reason, she needed to know Lisa's reasoning for messing up their plan.

"How hard to accept the truth that Alexander will not get back into her arms? How dense can she be?" Gretta muttered angrily.

The cold wind caressed her cheek, and she closed her eyes, and the memory of her conversation with Lisa replayed in her mind like a scene from a movie.

*Flashback*

Gretta had invited Lisa over to her mansion that afternoon. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the beautifully manicured backyard. They sat by the garden, sipping tea from fine China cups, the epitome of elegance at least on the surface.

Lisa leaned forward, curiosity evident in her eyes. "So, Gretta, what's this idea you have for dealing with Claire? You called me over here, so I'm guessing it's something big?"Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

Gretta took a slow sip of her tea, savoring the moment before responding. "I've heard there's going to be a fashion show," she said with a cool smile.

Lisa's eyebrows shot up. "A fashion show? What's that got to do with us? Or do you want me to audition as a model?" Her tone was half-joking, but there was a hint of genuine confusion. Gretta rolled her eyes, setting her cup down on the table with a soft clink. "Please, Lisa, we're not here to discuss your career. I want you to attend the fashion show as an ordinary guest." Lisa blinked, still puzzled. "Okay... but how am I supposed to attend? I don't exactly have an invitation lying around."

Gretta's smile widened, taking on a wicked edge. "Leave that to me. I have a connection-someone who can put you on the guest list. You'll be in, no problem."

Lisa's eyes lit up with excitement. She leaned in closer, practically hanging on to Gretta's every word. "What do you need me to do, then?"

Gretta's lips curled into a devious grin. "I want the venue to burn."

The excitement in Lisa's eyes flickered, replaced by confusion. "Burn? What do you mean? I thought we were trying to get to Claire, not destroy a building."

Gretta leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs with an air of casual confidence. "Claire will be attending the show because her friend took part in the fashion show." Lisa's confusion deepened. "How do you know that?"

"I have my sources," Gretta said, waving her hand dismissively. "But that's not the point. The important thing is for you to follow my instructions."

Lisa frowned, still trying to piece it all together. "So, what exactly do you want me to do?"

Gretta leaned in again, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I need you to loosen the ceiling lights but make sure to be discreet. I don't want to hear people finding out that you sabotage the fashion show." Lisa's expression remained puzzled. "Loosen the lights? And how's that supposed to help?"

Gretta's eyes gleamed with mischief. "If the lights are loose, they'll eventually fall. When they do, they'll cause a short circuit, and with any luck, it'll spark a fire."

Lisa's confusion turned into concern. "Wouldn't it be easier to just light a match and set the place on fire? That seems like a more straightforward plan."

Gretta shook her head, her tone patient but firm. "No, that's too obvious. If we go with my plan, it'll be much harder for them to trace the cause. The fire will seem like an accident, and all the evidence will be destroyed in the blaze."

Lisa considered this, her mind working through the details. After a moment, she nodded. "Okay, that makes sense. So, I go to the fashion show, mess with the lights, and then what? Just watch it all go down?"

Gretta chuckled softly, the sound almost playful. "Exactly. But your job isn't done there. I want you to make sure Claire is trapped inside when it all happens. She's the real target here, not the building."

Lisa's face lit up again, understanding dawning. "Got it. Trap Claire, set the scene, and let the fire do the rest. Your plans are wicked. I can't wait to see how it ends."

The two women exchanged a glance, and then they both burst into laughter, their wicked plan coming together in their minds. The thrill of it was intoxicating, the idea of finally getting back at Claire for whatever wrongs they felt she had done to them. *End of Flashback*

Gretta's eyes snapped open, and she gripped the wine glass so tightly it was a wonder it didn't shatter in her hand.

"Can't wait to see my ass." She utters sarcastically. Anger bubbled up inside her, mixing with frustration like a volatile cocktail. She took a deep breath, but it didn't do much to calm her down. How could Lisa be so...so weak?

The plan was simple: trap Claire and

watch her world crumble to ashes. But instead of

fiery end, Lisa had decided to play hero by Saving Claire from the debris that was about to hit her. And why? Because Alexander Harris had shown up at the fashion show. The thought made Gretta's blood boil. She cursed under her breath, muttering Lisa's name like it was the foulest word she knew.

Saving Claire meet her

With a huff, she threw back the rest of her wine in one go, the liquid burning a path down her throat. It wasn't satisfying-nothing was, not when she was this angry. She raked her fingers through her short hair, tugging at it in frustration. "Stupid, stupid Lisa," she muttered to herself. "Why does she always get swayed so easily? Just because Alexander was there..."

Gretta walked inside her room and slammed the glass down on the table, her mind racing. It was bad enough that Lisa was still hopelessly hung up on Alexander, even after he had rejected her. He chose Claire, of all people, over her! And yet Lisa still acted like there was some tiny glimmer of hope left, like Alexander might change his mind if she just saved the day.

"It's pathetic," Gretta growled to herself. "Absolutely pathetic."

She stood up abruptly, pacing the room like a caged animal. "If only Lisa hadn't been so easily swayed... Claire would be gone by now. Out of the picture. Done. And Alexander would see her for what she really is-nothing!" But no, things hadn't gone as planned. Claire was still standing, and their scheme had failed spectacularly. Again.

Gretta let out a frustrated sigh, her hands on her hips as she tried to think. "I need a new plan," she said aloud. "I swear if Lisa messes it up again, I will expose all this to the media and her image will be ruined."