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.

remained composed, though the tension in her jaw was palpable. "You speak as if you

retreated to a secluded corner of the veranda, away from the prying eyes of guests stepping out for fresh air. "Thank you," I murmured, still processing the confrontation. Gwen shrugged, conjuring a bottle of wine in her 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,

past snakes like Isabelle and

I inquired, 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."

a wink at me, she 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 last. "For my mother, for all this embarrassment, for-" I placed a finger on his

changing the subject. "She's... intriguing." 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

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