Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 39 Christian's POV I saw her the moment I stepped into the main hall. It was impossible not to notice Zoey, even from behind, organizing something with her team. The way she gestured, the slight tilt of her head when she listened-these were details I'd memorized without meaning to during our time together. I avoided looking her way for the rest of the morning, focusing instead on the Kensington representatives and the scheduled meetings. But my awareness of her lingered, like a subtle magnetic field pulling my attention every time she moved across the space.

It was Marcus who mentioned the incident first. "Seems there was some commotion with the Sunvale team," he said casually, checking his phone. "Something about a fight between Zoey Bennett and Elise Banks." My head snapped around, every sense on high alert. "A fight? What kind of fight?" Marcus raised his brows, surprised at my reaction. "From what I'm hearing, a slap was thrown. Security had to step in." Without a second thought, I abandoned our conversation, ignoring Marcus's calls as I headed toward the far side of the hall.

A cluster of people near one of the side corridors confirmed the story. I caught fragments of whispered conversations: 'Kensington's ex,' 'lost her composure,' 'completely unprofessional.' Then I saw her. Zoey was being led away by Edward Mendez, his hand on her elbow in a way that felt far too intimate, making my blood boil. Her face bore a faint red mark on her left cheek. Somehow, she looked smaller, more fragile than the confident woman I'd seen commanding her team earlier. Our eyes met briefly-long enough for me to catch the mixture of shame and confusion in hers.

Then Edward guided her down a corridor, toward the private meeting rooms. I followed instinctively, keeping a discreet distance. I stopped when I saw them slip into a small room at the end of the hall. Edward closed the door, but not fully-just enough of a gap remained. Slowly, I moved closer, torn between my concern for Zoey and the knowledge that I was intruding on a private moment. Through the crack, I caught a partial view of the room. Edward sat far too close to her, leaning in, his hand brushing her arm in gestures that looked anything but professional.

no right to feel it. I had been the one to refuse her that morning, I had chosen to let her go. Then, in one swift motion, Edward brushed his fingers across Zoey's face,

I walked back down the corridor, I tried to rationalize the knot twisting in my chest. Zoey was free to live her life, free to find someone new. Someone who, unlike me, didn't carry the weight of a family empire, suffocating traditions, or a treacherous ex-girlfriend. 1/4 Chapter 30 Someone normal. Exactly what she deserved. Zoey's POV +25 Bonus "The incident drew quite a bit of attention," Edward said, his tone surprisingly light as he

me away. What must he be thinking of me now?

is also fighting for." He paused, watching my reaction. "A contract that will define the future of our winery." "And what does that have to do with me?" "Because you are our competitive advantage." Edward leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Your connection to Christian, your inside knowledge

murmured, a heavy weight settling in my chest. "You only hired me because of him." Edward brushed a strand of hair from my face, making îne stiffen. "Not just because of that. Your talent is undeniable. But certain... relationships open doors that talent alone cannot." "What exactly do you want from me?" His

just enough to compromise the quality of their showcase." He made a careless gesture. "And of course, if you could discreetly suggest that Elite PR was responsible, that would be perfect." I stared at him, incredulous. "You want me

mention your doubts about Elite PR's competence to the right people." 2/4 Chapter 39 +25 Bonus I shot to my feet, unable to sit beside him any longer. "You're asking me to use my past relationship with Christian to hurt him? To get revenge on Elise at the expense of his reputation?" "I'm asking you to be loyal to the company that gave you an opportunity when no one else would." Edward's tone hardened. "Sunvale needs this contract, Zoey. And you're in a position to help." "By using unethical methods." "By using the resources available." He stood as well, his expression now