Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 16 The bathroom was just as luxurious as the rest of the suite. A massive bathtub occupied one corner, the shower was big enough to fit an entire family, and the neatly arranged bath products looked like they'd been plucked straight from a five-star spa. I showered quickly, letting the water wash away some of the tension knotted inside me. When I stepped out, I dressed carefully: a chic midi skirt and a light blouse-casual but sophisticated enough for lunch in a mansion. Christian was waiting in one of the armchairs, scrolling through his phone.

He looked up when I emerged, and something in his gaze made me feel like he was really seeing me. "Ready for lunch?" he asked, standing. I nodded, trying to keep the nervous flutter in my stomach under control. We went downstairs to a covered terrace overlooking the gardens. The table was set for two, with fine china and crystal glasses. A uniformed attendant stood discreetly to the side, ready to serve. "I thought a quiet lunch would be better today," Christian said as he pulled out a chair for me.

"Give you time to get settled before you meet everyone else." "Everyone else" sounded ominous, but I gave him a grateful smile. Lunch turned out to be surprisingly pleasant. The food was delicious: a light salad with local cheeses followed by wild mushroom risotto that practically melted on my tongue. The wine, of course, was spectacular-produced right there, as Christian made sure to point out. The conversation flowed easily.

his great-grandfather had bought the land nearly a century ago, turning it from a small family operation into one of the most respected names in Verdanian wine. "And now it's all yours?" I asked, genuinely curious. "Soon," he replied, sipping his wine. "After we... get married." There was the faintest hesitation in his voice, a reminder that all of this was just an act. "Your grandfather must really believe in marriage," I commented. Christian twirled the stem of his glass between his fingers, thoughtful. "He's from

Something flickered in his gaze, darkening just a little. "That's why I made a mutually beneficial arrangement with someone who needed help just as badly as I did." Touché. I had needed help. "And how long is this arrangement supposed to last?" I asked, the question that had been gnawing at me since the beginning. "I mean... if we decide to, you know... renegotiate." "That depends." 1/3 "On what?" "On how long we need each other." The way he said need each other sent a strange twist through

tell me beforehand?" He shrugged. "I assumed you knew. It's the main reason we're here." "I thought we were here to meet your grandfather!" "He'll be at the event," Christian replied, looking genuinely baffled by my reaction. "Along with every major name in the industry." Our lunch was interrupted by approaching footsteps.

"The mysterious woman who tamed Verdania's most sought-after bachelor." Marcus

trying to keep my tone casual. "Elite PR," Marcus said, winking. "The top PR firm in the country. They've completely transformed our image over the past year. My idea, by the way." I looked at Christian, but he seemed oblivious to the bomb Marcus had just dropped. "Elite PR?" I repeated, my voice sharper now. "Elise's company?" Marcus blinked in surprise. 23 Chapter 16 +25 Bonus

I accused, turning to face Christian. Christian frowned, looking genuinely confused. "What are you talking about?" "Don't play dumb!" My voice pitched higher, cracking under the weight of anger and panic. "You hired Elise's company. You must have known her." "Zoey, I-" "Was it a coincidence?" I cut him off, my voice trembling between rage and fear. "Showing up at the wedding, all of this... was there something behind it? Some game between