Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 72 +25 Bonus

I was attempting to compose myself on the veranda when I sensed a familiar presence drawing near. Francesca's voice pierced the air before I caught sight of her. "Well, Zoey, what a humiliating display," she remarked, emerging from the shadows like an unwelcome specter. "Spoiling a bottle of 1985 Brunello? That's practically sacrilege by Kensington standards." I turned slowly, concealing the sting of her words. Francesca appeared impeccable, as always, clad in deep red that accentuated her features. Her eyes sparkled with malice.

"It was an accident," I replied, maintaining a steady voice. "Aged corks are delicate." "Oh, darling." Francesca laughed mockingly. "Any child in our family would know how to handle that bottle. But you..." she drawled the words with contempt. "How could you know? You're not one of us." Heat flushed my cheeks. Before I could form a retort, Gwen's voice rang out from behind us, "Francesca, have you not disgraced the family enough by pilfering trade secrets? Must you attack someone simply because she was not born into this world?"

Francesca spun around, taken aback by the interruption. "Oh, the illegitimate one speaks up." Her malevolent smile faltered slightly. "Are you here to defend your new acquaintance?" "I'm here to uphold basic decency, a concept evidently alien to you," Gwen retorted, moving confidently to my side with the assurance of one who knew her position in the family, even if it wasn't in the spotlight.

know, Zoey has earned in days what you never could in years: my brother's genuine respect." "Respect?" Francesca laughed harshly. "Please. We all know how this story ends. She will never be a true Kensington. Nor will you, dear Gwen." Gwen's voice remained composed, though the tension in her jaw was palpable. "You speak as if you are one. As if you still hold any sway with Christian. Move on." Francesca began to

hands as if by magic, pouring herself a glass. "Francesca has always been envious. Since we were children. She and Christian had... a complex history, but that was long ago. Long before this." She took a sip of wine. "Listen, I can assist you. Educate you on the basics of our vineyard,

Isabelle and

genuinely surprised. "Of course. You are now officially my sister-in-law. And besides..." she smiled conspiratorially, "I would relish seeing Isabelle and Francesca's reactions when you start showcasing your wine knowledge." Before I could respond, firm footsteps approached. Christian appeared, looking relieved. "There you are," he said. "Gwen, your uncles are searching

disappeared back into the hall, leaving us alone on the veranda. Silence hung between us for a moment. I could hear the faint music wafting from inside, the distant laughter of guests. "I apologize," Christian spoke at

That elicited the first genuine smile from him that evening. "'Intriguing' is a polite way to describe her as a force of nature," he concurred. "Yet, she is the most loyal individual I know. You can confide in her." "It's reassuring to know I have an ally," I stated with a slight smile. "Especially as your mother seems

"'Possessive' is an interesting euphemism for deranged," I muttered, causing him to laugh heartily. "You were splendid tonight," he praised, drawing me closer by the waist. "Breaking that cork was the highlight of the evening, you know? Everyone pretends to be shocked, but they all have drawers full of shattered corks from