Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 599 Gwen's POV Darius and Laura arrived right on time at ten Saturday morning, driving an immaculate white SUV. They were exactly what | expected from successful travel influencers. He was tall and tan, with deliberately messy-perfect hair and a toothpaste-commercial smile. She was naturally beautiful but clearly well maintained, blonde hair in loose waves, light makeup that probably took an hour to look that "effortlessly natural." "Gwen!" Laura said the moment she got out of the car, hugging me like we were old friends. "Finally! Zoey talked so much about you and this place.

I'm so excited!" "It's a pleasure to have you," | replied with my best professional smile. "Welcome to Valemont Estate." Darius followed right behind her, just as warm, already pulling out his phone to start filming. "Man, this place is incredible," he said, scanning the property. " The photos on Instagram don't do it justice. The light here is perfect." ---- Nick appeared to help with their luggage, and I made the formal introductions. Polished. Professional. Distant. As if we didn't have a complicated history between us.

"Zoey really talked this place up," Laura said as we walked toward reception. "And you too, Gwen. She said you're brilliant with digital marketing strategy." "She's very kind," | replied modestly. Laura studied me for a moment, her head tilting slightly. "You know," she said, "you look really familiar. I'm sure we've met before." A cold chill ran down my spine. "| don't think so," | said quickly. "| probably just have one of those generic faces." "No, that's not it," she insisted, frowning as if trying to access a stubborn memory.

"I swear I've seen you somewhere." "Maybe at a tourism conference?" Darius suggested distractedly, still filming. "You go to a lot of those, babe." "Maybe," Laura agreed, though she was still studying me After settling them into their room, our best suite, of course, we ---- organized an initial tour of the property. Nick drove the small tour truck. | sat beside Laura in the back while Darius filmed everything from the front. "So, do you only work with rural tourism?" Laura asked as we passed the vineyards. "Yeah, I...

vaguely "Have you ever been to Rosemont Villa?" she asked suddenly. * That amazing resort near Stonebridge?" | had. Many times. It was one of my family's favorite venues for Kensington corporate events in the region "No," | lied. "But I've heard of it. People say it's beautiful." "It's spectacular," Laura said. "We did a video there last year. It went viral." She pulled out her phone and

hotels and resorts around the world. "Isn't this where we met? This girl looks so much like you!" And there | was. In the background of one of the photos. Partially hidden by other people, but unmistakably me. Wearing the navy-blue dress | remembered perfectly. My hair pulled into

the photo again, zooming in. "Are you sure?" she asked. "Because she really looks a lot like-" "I'm sure," | said firmly. "I've never been to that event." She looked at me for another long moment, then shrugged. "Must be a coincidence, then. But the resemblance is crazy." The tour continued. We showed them the medieval

headed to the cooking class with Martina, which we'd planned as one of the main experiences. The estate's kitchen had been specially

way my grandma taught me." Laura and Darius were completely absorbed, their hands literally in the dough, laughing as Martina corrected them gently. | stayed in the corner, taking photos and videos for content, making sure we captured the best angles. Nick had stayed on as Martina's assistant, bringing ingredients, wiping down counters, basically being the perfect helper. "Try this," Martina said at one point, holding out a spoonful of sauce to Laura. Laura tasted it. Her eyes