Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 614 Gwen's POV Dinner was held in the space we'd set up for the sunset evenings. The long wooden table was covered with a simple white linen cloth, decorated with small arrangements of wildflowers Bella had helped pick earlier that afternoon. Candles in cast-iron holders were placed carefully along the center, creating a soft, welcoming glow once the sun fully disappeared beyond the hills. Nothing extravagant. Nothing pretentious. Just honestly, genuinely beautiful. Martina had outdone herself. The starter was a selection of antipasti.

Local cheeses, cured prosciutto, marinated olives, and warm crusty bread. The main course was lamb stew with saffron risotto, the meat so tender it practically fell apart under the fork. "Oh my God," Zoey said after her first bite, closing her eyes. " Martina, this is divine. Seriously. Better than half the restaurants I've been to." Martina blushed, clearly delighted. "It's my grandmother's recipe," she explained proudly. "Passed down through generations.

The secret is the cooking time and ---- the fresh herbs from the garden." Christian took a sip of the wine Nick had chosen from the cellar. "Excellent pairing," he commented. "This Barolo complements the richness of the stew perfectly." Nick visibly relaxed at the compliment. The conversation flowed easily. Mia talked about Florentia and the hidden spots tourists never found. Dante made jokes that had even Paula hiding reluctant smiles. Bella chatted animatedly with Zoey about brigadeiros and when exactly they were going to make them together.

"So," Nick said at one point, turning to Christian, "Gwen mentioned you're living in Verdania now. What took you so far away?" | saw Christian hesitate for just a fraction of a second before answering. "Work, mostly," he said in that polished casual tone of his. "I manage the family's business interests there. Some investments. And, well.. meeting Zoey gave me a reason to stay. | nudged him discreetly under the table while Paula complimented Zoey's Valentian, and Zoey laughed, admitting that at first she could barely order bread at a bakery but had ---- been practicing ever since.

me a sideways look but kept his expression neutral. He knew exactly why I'd nudged him. For Nick's family, the simple fact that my brother lived in Verdania and could travel back to Euradia regularly already placed him in a comfortable financial category. They didn't need to imagine beyond that. They didn't need to know about wine empires and generational wealth. "That must be fascinating,"

soccer," Dante added. "Don't forget soccer." "Obviously soccer," Christian said with a laugh "Daddy," Bella suddenly said, 'tell that funny story to Aunt Zoey!" Nick's eyes widened "What story, princess?" "The one Grandma always tells," Bella clarified. "About the

"Let me tell it," Martina insisted, delighted. "He decided the chickens were going to die of fear outside. So in the middle of the night, he grabbed a flashlight, snuck out in his pajamas, and started carrying

on feathers in the hallway and almost broke his arm. And

after we cleaned the entire house, your grandfather spent the whole morning saying, 'At least someone in this family has a heart." Everyone laughed. Even Nick, despite the obvious embarrassment. "| was seven," he defended himself. "And | genuinely thought they were going to freeze out there." "So your soft heart goes way back," | said, squeezing his hand under the table. "In Nick's defense, storms are scary!" Zoey chimed in, laughing Christian cleared his throat,