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.

of the winery, how 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

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 my stomach. As if there was more to this deal than either of us had bargained for. "Don't overthink it now," Christian went on, noticing my expression. "We'll take it one step

calendar." "And you didn't think that was important to 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

He approached the table with the confidence of someone completely at home. Christian stood to greet him with a quick half-hug. "Zoey, this is my cousin Marcus. Marcus, this is Zoey."> "The mysterious woman who tamed Verdania's most sought-after bachelor." Marcus grinned, taking my hand and kissing it with theatrical flair. "A pleasure to finally meet you." "The pleasure's mine," I replied automatically, as he dragged a chair over and sat without asking. "So, Chris, all set for tomorrow?" Marcus asked, helping

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 "You know Elise Banks? Wow, small world." I froze,

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