Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 650 Gwen's POV "What do you mean it's your fault?" Nick asked immediately, tension sharpening his voice. | took a slow breath. This time, there would be no omissions. No half-truths. "Renee threatened me," | began. "The day of the accident. She came to my office." | saw Nick's jaw tighten. "Go on," he said, his voice controlled but hard. "She asked for money," | said. "A lot of money. She called it payment for her silence. So she wouldn't tell you | bought your debt. And so she wouldn't use that information to...

build a case for full custody of Bella." Nick closed his eyes briefly. "and what did you do?" "Lrefused," | answered immediately. "Flat out. | told her to get out of my office." He nodded, approval clear. ---- "Good. You don't give in to blackmail. Ever." "Exactly," | said. "If | paid once, she'd ask for more. And more. It would never end." | paused, bracing myself. "It wasn't just about the money," | continued. "It was about control. About sending the message that we were afraid of her. That she had power over us.

That all she had to do was use Bella like a pawn and she'd get whatever she wanted." My voice grew steadier. "Lcouldn't allow that, Nick. | couldn't let her think she had that kind of leverage. | thought we could handle it strategically. | thought | could get to you first. Tell you myself before she had the chance." Understanding flickered across his face. "That's why you were driving like that," he said slowly. "Yes," | admitted. "I left the office immediately. Canceled everything. Got in the car and drove as fast as | could.

needed to reach you before she did." Nick was staring at me now, piecing it together. ---- "Wait," he said suddenly. His eyes widened. "Before Renee? You were both heading to the estate at the same time?" | nodded. "Yes." "So you two were-" "On the same road," | finished for him. "That's why the accident happened the way it did." He went completely still. "What do you mean?" His

was Renee. And she saw me too. Recognized my car. My breathing quickened with the memory. ---- "She sped up," | continued, my voice trembling now. "She wouldn't let me complete the pass. Wouldn't let me merge back into my lane. |

think she set out planning to kill me or seriously injure me." Skepticism flashed across Nick's face. "| think it was a stupid power game," | explained. "A reckless contest over who

she went that far." ---- Nick stayed quiet for a beat. "Are you sure?" he asked, doubt heavy in his voice. | frowned. "Why would you say that?" "The estate," he replied simply. | understood instantly. "The fire..." | murmured. "Christian told you?" he asked. "Yes." "| was there today," Nick said. "| saw the damage. Talked to