Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 616 Gwen's POV "A diamond is something you only give when you love someone very much," Bella suddenly declared, her small voice slicing through the suffocating tension at the table. She grabbed the necklace with both hands, pressing it protectively to her chest with that fierce determination only children have when something truly matters to them. "And | love you very much, sweetheart," | said automatically, turning to her, trying to keep my voice steady. "But... but..." The word caught in my throat. But what? | opened my mouth then closed it. Nothing came out.

That was when | heard Mia laugh, as if this were the most ridiculous thing she'd heard all week. "Isn't it perfect?" she said, turning to Renee with that dazzling, disarming smile. "Seriously, the jewelers in Florentia are artists. They make replicas of practically anything with unbelievable precision. Necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets. You'd swear they're real. | can take you to the shop next time you're in ---- Florentia, if youd like.

They have gorgeous pieces." Renee stared at her for a long moment, her expression shifting between disbelief and something dangerously close to restrained anger. "Replica?" she repeated slowly. "Obviously," Mia said smoothly, shrugging. "Gwen works in marketing, she's not an oil heiress. And honestly, who in their right mind gives real diamonds to a seven-year-old? Imagine losing it. Or it getting stolen. That would be completely irrational. Renee's eyes moved from Mia to me, then to the necklace around Bella's neck.

be absolutely certain. After all, as you said, | need to ensure my daughter's safety. | wouldn't want her at risk of being robbed." She extended her hand toward Bella "Come here, sweetheart. Let Mommy see that pretty necklace up close." Bella shrank

that fake maternal tone. "! promise I'll give it back. Two days, at most." "No!" Bella shook her head violently, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I don't want to! It's mine! Gwen gave it to me because she loves me!" | stood up automatically and moved around the table toward her. | crouched down, placing my hands gently on her shoulders, feeling her trembling. "It's okay, sweetheart," | said softly, wiping

a deep breath for me." Bella threw her arms around my neck, burying her face against me, still sobbing "That's enough, Renee." Nick's voice cut through the air like a blade. He was on his feet again, both hands braced against the table, his knuckles white from the pressure. His green eyes, usually

calmly. A calm that was far more unsettling than if she had yelled. "That's fine. | didn't come here to cause problems or create unnecessary tension." She rose slowly and gracefully from her chair. Picked up her napkin and folded it with exaggerated care before placing it

always. No one makes pies like you." Martina, visibly uncomfortable and confused, nodded stiffly and got up to fetch a container. ---- Renee waited, perfectly still, until Martina returned with a neatly wrapped slice. She thanked her with excessive