Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 73 +25 Bonus "Kensington Sustainable Winemaking," I read aloud. "Is this a return to the roots?" "More than that. It's a revolution." Gwen lowered her voice. "Christian wants to convert at least 30% of production to fully organic in the next five years. Biodynamic farming, fermentation with wild yeasts, zero chemical intervention." I studied the numbers with genuine interest. My business classes and PR experience helped me make sense of the financial projections. "The profit margin is smaller at first, but the brand value in the long run is substantial," I observed.

"Smart strategy." Gwen looked at me with surprise. "You really do understand this." "I worked in marketing and PR for a winery, remember?" I replied, not lifting my eyes from the notes. "These projections for premium organic wine demand are optimistic, but not unrealistic." My hands flipped through a few more pages, uncovering a recent memorandum. "This is the complicated part," Gwen explained, pointing to notes about a board meeting. "Some of the older shareholders, including Lawrence, have been resisting the idea.

They think it's too risky and 'not the Kensington way of doing things." "But Joseph supports it?" "Grandpa? Yes, completely. He's the one who convinced most of the board to give the pilot project the green light." She smiled. "The Zoey Vineyard is part of that project, you know? The first official expansion." Warmth spread through my chest. The vineyard named after me wasn't just a romantic gesture-it was part of Christian's vision for the company's future. "Why didn't he ever tell me these details?" I wondered aloud more than asked.

door opened, and Christian walked in, relaxed in a pale blue shirt and dark slacks. His smile

interested in the business side," he said, his voice cautious. "There are plenty of things about me you still don't know,"

with me. "Anyway," Christian continued, holding out his hand to me, "I came to steal you away. I thought I'd take you to see the sunset from the top of the south hill. I brought a picnic." "Just when we were getting to the best part," Gwen protested

"It's not that," he said at last. "It's just that... the project means a lot to me. And it still faces internal resistance. I'd rather not discuss the details until it's more secure." "Are you afraid I'll tell someone?" The question slipped out before I could stop it. A flash of something-guilt?-crossed his face. "Of course not," he replied quickly. "It's just...