Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 32 [Three months later] Three months can change a lot. I adjusted the tie of one of the promoters who'd be handing out samples of Sunvale Winery's new Merlot, making sure the logo was perfectly aligned. "Remember to mention the cherry notes and the time in the barrel when guests ask," I instructed, moving on to the next promoter in line. The hotel lobby where the tasting would take place was almost ready. The tables had been positioned strategically to create a natural flow, the crystal glasses lined up with precision, the information displays elegant without being over the top.

I'd spent the last two weeks planning every detail of this event. It wasn't as big as Kensington's, but it was mine. Entirely mine. "Zoey, these floral arrangements are in the wrong place!" shouted Lisa, my twenty-two-year-old assistant fresh out of college. "The plan said they should be near the fountain, not the entrance!" I took a deep breath and smiled. Three months ago, I'd been a bridal shop salesgirl with an unused degree in Public Relations. Now I was the event coordinator at Sunvale Winery, with my own assistant who constantly needed direction.

O "We'll keep them at the entrance," I decided. "The color contrasts better with the main panel." My phone buzzed in my pocket. It was Edward Mendez, my boss and Sunvale's Marketing Director. I answered while walking toward a quieter corner. "Zoey, how are we doing?" His voice was as cheerful as always. "Everything's on schedule. The catering team just arrived, and the promoters are being briefed. We'll be ready an hour ahead of time." "Excellent!" I could practically see his smile through the line. "I knew I made the right choice when I hired you.

That phrase always gave me a strange feeling. Edward had hired me just two weeks after I'd started a refresher course in PR, with an offer that had seemed too good to be true. Above-average pay for a beginner, attractive benefits, and the promise of fast growth. "I recognize talent when I see it," he'd said in the interview. "And I remember perfectly how you handled those influencers at the Kensington event." I'd been too flattered to question how a smaller winery like Sunvale could afford to offer such good conditions to someone with no formál experience in the field.

asked, checking my clipboard. "Yes, about that..." Edward paused. "I just got confirmation from the Association of Wineries. They're sending representatives from all the biggest producers in the country." My stomach turned. "All of them?" "Yes, including Kensington." His voice took on a tone of forced

You still there?" "Yes," I answered quickly. "No problem. We'll treat all the representatives with the same hospitality." "Of course, of course." He hesitated. "But... considering your history with the

main reason I called. I have an important announcement for you." "I'm listening." "The board approved it. You're going to lead next month's intersector event!" I nearly dropped the phone. The intersector event was the biggest annual gathering

been here two months." "And you've already proven your worth dozens of times." His voice was steady. "I trust you with this, Zoey. It's a huge opportunity for Sunvale... and for you." After hanging up, I allowed myself a moment of silent celebration. It was enormous recognition. Validation for all the late nights studying, for every cent from the clothes I'd sold to pay for the intensive course, for every extra hour I'd worked since I'd been hired. When I returned to the small apartment I'd rented after moving out of my

kitchen and a bathroom barely big enough to turn around in -but it was mine. Paid for with my salary, decorated to my taste. I kicked off my shoes, leaving them in the middle of the room, and threw myself onto the bed. My eyes automatically landed on the small velvet box on the nightstand. The ring. Out of all the expensive things Christian had given me, it