Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 653 Gwen's POV Montelira was beautiful that Thursday afternoon. The sun was warm but not scorching. A soft breeze carried the scent of ripening grapes from the surrounding hills. Tourists wandered through the narrow stone streets with that lazy, unhurried energy of people on vacation. Nick and | were sitting at a small table outside the main gelateria in the central square. He had insisted we come here after | told him about Alexander's discovery. He said he needed to process it somewhere far from Florentia. Far from the apartment, on familiar ground. | agreed.

| needed fresh air. Perspective And, if | was being honest, exceptional gelato. | was savoring a cup of chocolate hazelnut gelato melting perfectly on my tongue, while Nick distractedly stirred his pistachio without really eating it. " still can't believe this," he said eventually, glancing at the discreet folder tucked inside my bag. "Renee...?" ---- "But it makes sense, doesn't it?" | countered. "How did she suddenly afford high-powered lawyers? How did she put down that kind of money on a new property? How is she living so far above her declared income?

This explains all of it." "Even so," Nick said, finally taking a bite of his gelato, "this is risky. For her. For everyone. These people are dangerous. This isn't a game." | nodded. "Renee strikes me as exactly the kind of person who likes living on the edge," | said. "The kind who thinks she's smarter than everyone else. That she can get away with anything." "And usually she does," Nick muttered. | was about to respond when movement at the entrance of the square caught my attention. It was Renee, walking with that signature overconfidence.

was about to be very disappointed. ---- Renee crossed the square toward us, removing her sunglasses as she approached. Her eyes

"What a surprise to see you up and walking. | assumed you were still bedridden." "Disappointed?' | replied sweetly. She ignored that, pulled out a chair, and sat down

proposal? Interesting. Go on." "| want you to withdraw your custody claim for

coma, have a near-death experience, and decide to reconsider my original offer and pay me what | asked for from the start?" "Never," | said, absolute. The amusement on her face faltered. ---- "Then what exactly are you proposing?" "We have something better," Nick cut in, his voice controlled but tight. Renee's gaze flicked between us, real confusion mixing with a growing unease. "Better for who, exactly?" "For everyone," Nick said. "Bella keeps living with

a scoff, but her voice came out alittle too sharp. "Prison for what? For her being a terrible driver? She waved a hand in my direction, irritation rising. "Listen, she could've just-" "We're not talking about that," | interrupted, still calm. ----