Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 71 +25 Bonus Chapter 71 The navy-blue dress I found in the suite's wardrobe was stunning-an elegant Valentino design with an asymmetrical cut that draped perfectly over my body. Christian had provided a complete wardrobe for me, anticipating any possible social occasion. What he hadn't anticipated was that his own mother would be the occasion to fear. I adjusted the delicate necklace at my throat, trying to steady the tremor in my hands. From bridal shop assistant to hostess of a dinner for the Valentian wine elite. Christian entered the room, immaculate in his dark suit.

The look in his eyes when he saw me sent warmth rushing through me, momentarily pushing back my nerves. "You look breathtaking," he said, stepping close to brush a soft kiss across my lips. "I'm terrified," I confessed, straightening his pocket square. "I learned the basics about wine working at Sunvale, but that was more marketing and PR. I don't know if it's enough to impress people who've lived and breathed viticulture for generations. I'm going to make a fool of myself." "You could never make a fool of yourself," he assured me, cupping my face in his hands.

"And I'll be by your side the entire time." We went down together to the great hall, where Isabelle had somehow organized a reception worthy of an embassy in less than a day. Fresh flowers adorned elegantly set tables, waiters moved among the guests with trays of white wine, and a small orchestra played Valentian classical music in the background. Around forty people mingled in clusters, the refined murmur of conversation falling silent for a moment as we entered. "Showtime," Christian whispered in my ear, his hand steady at my back. The hours that followed were a test of my nerves.

I was introduced to more winemakers, importers, critics, and sommeliers than I could possibly count. I tried desperately to memorize names, estates, special vintages, and alliances, but it all began to blur together in my mind. From across the room, Isabelle observed with eagle eyes, noting every small mistake-a forgotten name, a misstep about a wine region, a comment about flavor that revealed my lack of expertise. Despite my nerves, I gradually began to relax with Christian at my side.

entrance drew everyone's attention. "Christian!" A young woman with long dark hair and wide eyes darted into the hall, ignoring the formal setting entirely. She couldn't have been more than her early twenties, and there was

in Maravinese, clearly for my benefit. 1/3 Chapter 71 +25 Bonus "And

said, extending her hand. "Finally, someone interesting in this family!" Christian's hand pressed gently at my back, a genuine smile softening his features. "Zoey, this is my sister, Gwen." My surprise must have shown, because she laughed again.

in a peal of laughter, drawing disapproving looks from several guests-especially Isabelle, who was watching us from across the room with a sour expression. "I like her, Chris," Gwen declared, looping her arm

no one had asked her to assume the role. The courses came in elaborate sequence, each paired with a

to present a particularly exceptional wine to accompany dessert," she announced in her lilting Valentian, Christian murmuring the translation in my ear. "And in keeping with another tradition, the new Mrs. Kensington our hostess will have the honor of opening

hard, I rose and accepted the corkscrew the waiter handed me. Christian tried to warn me with a hurried whisper, but I was already focused on the task. My hands trembled slightly as I positioned the corkscrew and began to twist. The ancient cork crumbled before I could