Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 51 Friday morning dawned under a perfect blue sky, as if nature itself wanted to bless the arrival of the Bennett family at the Kensington estate. I watched from the bedroom window as their car climbed the winding road, my heart pounding with a mix of nerves and relief. After the chaotic week I'd had, seeing familiar faces was a comfort. Christian stood beside me at the main entrance, as elegant as ever, though the subtle tension in the way he kept adjusting his watch betrayed him. "Relax," I told him.

"They don't bite." "Your father may not be too fond of me after last time..." I didn't have the chance to answer, because the car stopped and my family spilled out in a burst of energy. Annabelle was the first, practically leaping from the vehicle with an excited squeal, followed by my brother Matthew, who whistled appreciatively at the sight of the mansion. My parents came last - my mother nervously fixing her hair, my father wearing an expression that tried to look casual but couldn't quite mask his awe.

"Zoey!" Annabelle threw her arms around me in a crushing hug before pulling back to give me a critical once- over. "You look amazing! I guess rushed weddings suit you!" "Annie," I'muttered, but I couldn't hold back a smile. My mother hugged me next, whispering a "My God, what a place!" in my ear before turning starry-eyed toward Christian. Matthew gave me a quick hug, then shook Christian's hand with unnecessary force, a blatant attempt at intimidation that only made Christian arch an amused eyebrow. Finally, my father embraced me firmly before extending his hand to Christian.

Their handshake felt weighted with unspoken meaning, a silent recognition between them. "Mr. Bennett," Christian said with a slight nod. "Good to see you again." "Likewise," my father replied, studying his future son-in-law with sharp, watchful eyes. "Though under... different circumstances." "So... ready to see the property?" Christian asked, slipping naturally into his role as host. "More than ready!" Annabelle answered before anyone else could. "This is like Disneyland for wine!" Matthew rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his grin. "Ignore my sister.

here." "I did not!" Annabelle protested, then shot Christian a wink. "Not yet." The tour began with the main vineyards, where Christian spoke with genuine enthusiasm about the different grape varieties, planting techniques, and the importance of soil and climate. My father, initially reserved, soon started asking technical questions that showed real interest, while

your family have worked at this?" "Four so

at the main cellar, I couldn't help but blush faintly at the memory of the last time I had been there the wine-fueled kiss we had shared, one we still hadn't mentioned since. Christian seemed to catch my

explained, resuming his role as guide. "Some of these walls were built by the first Kensingtons who came to Verdania." "Wow!" Annabelle exclaimed, darting between the massive barrels. "Can we taste something?" "Annie!" my mother scolded. "Don't be inappropriate." "Actually," Christian smiled, "I planned a small tasting

"Tell her we'll be there in an hour," Christian replied, clearly not wanting to rush us. Marcus nodded, then turned to Annabelle with a smile that could only be described as predatory. You must be the bride's sister." He took her hand and

I practically grabbed Annabelle's arm and pulled her into a corner. "Absolutely not," I hissed urgently. "What?" She feigned innocence. "Marcus. Don't even think about it." "Why not?" She crossed her arms, a mischievous smile forming. "You get to have a Kensington of your own, and I can't?" "Kensington men mean nothing but trouble," I insisted. Annabelle rolled her eyes dramatically. "Relax, sis. The only trouble Marcus will cause is in my