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.

them hit me like a punch. Was there something between them? Had Zoey really moved on? I tried to tamp down the sharp sting of jealousy slicing through me, reminding myself I had 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, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear in a gesture that felt almost intimate. That was enough. I stepped back, suddenly feeling like an

weight of a family empire, suffocating traditions, or a treacherous ex-girlfriend. 1/4 Chapter 30

of you." I drank in silence, still trying to process what had just happened. The humiliation of the scene, Elise's slap, the spectators' stares. And worse, the brief glimpse of Christian watching as Edward led me away. What must he be thinking of me now? "It wasn't my brightest moment," I admitted

listening." "Sunvale is about to sign an exclusive contract with the biggest wine import network in Ascia. A contract Kensington 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

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 smile widened, as though pleased

I stared at him, incredulous. "You want me to sabotage Christian's presentation... and blame Elise?" "Technically, it wouldn't be you doing it. We have people skilled enough for the technical side." He smiled again. You would only need to...

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