Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 40 Zoey's POV The parking lot was nearly empty, giving me a few precious minutes to breathe and try to collect my thoughts. Edward was probably already spreading word at the event that I had resigned. In a few minutes, my phone would start buzzing with messages from Lisa and the rest of the team-surprised, confused, maybe even disappointed. But before I could deal with any of those consequences, I had something more important to do. I turned back and reentered the complex, this time avoiding the main hall. I needed to find Christian-and fast.

I spotted Marcus first, overseeing some final adjustments to an interactive display. When he saw me, his brows shot up in surprise. "Zoey Bennett." He smiled-polite, but distant. "I heard you had... an interesting afternoon." "News travels fast." I kept my tone neutral. "I need to speak with Christian. It's urgent." Marcus hesitated, clearly weighing whether or not he should help me. "He's in a quick meeting with the tech team." I nodded my thanks and headed in the direction he indicated. Christian stood with his back to me, talking with two men who were gesturing toward an open laptop.

I took a deep breath and stepped closer. "Christian?" He turned, surprise flickering across his face. For an instant, something else flashed in his eyes-concern? relief? but it was quickly replaced by the CEO mask I knew so well. "Zoey." He turned to the technicians. "Give me a minute, please." When the men stepped away, Christian led me toward an even more secluded corner, well out of earshot. "Are you alright?" His voice was softer now. "I heard what happened with Elise." "I'm fine." I dismissed it with a wave of my hand. "That's not why I came." He waited, focused.

"Sunvale is planning to sabotage Kensington's presentation tomorrow," I blurted out, keeping my voice low." Something about an important contract with Ascian importers you're competing for." Christian's eyes narrowed. "You're sure of this?" "Absolutely." I swallowed hard, aware that I was possibly violating confidentiality clauses. "Technically, I could be sued just for telling you this. But I couldn't let it happen." "Why?" The question caught me off guard. "What do you mean, why?" "Why are you telling me?" His gaze was intense, searching.

his eyes. "I resigned the moment Edward suggested I should take part in the sabotage." A shadow crossed Christian's face. "Edward Mendez." The name came

frowned, confused for a moment-until I caught the insinuation. "Me and him what?" I stepped back, indignation flaring. "There's no 'me and him.' There never was. I just told you I quit!" "I saw you together. In the meeting room." There was something in his tone-something close to jealousy. "He seemed very close." "And you thought that...?" I shook my head in disbelief. "Seriously, Christian? You should have more faith in my character. I'm not the kind of person who trades favors like that." A flash of regret

to imply-" "Forget it." I cut him off, already regretting coming to him. "Just... be careful tomorrow." I turned to leave, but Christian caught my arm gently. "Thank you for warning me." His voice was sincere. "Not many people would have." I nodded briefly, pulling my arm

could she think I truly believed she'd trade favors like that?

in. And there she was, standing near the reception desk, a medium suitcase at her side, her phone pressed to her ear. Her expression shifted from frustrated to defeated as she spoke. 2/3 Chapter 40 +25 Bonus "I understand the ticket is still valid for the scheduled date, but I need to know if it's possible to