Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 588 Gwen's POV "Renee?" Nick's voice came out low and stunned, like he'd just seen a ghost. And the name alone was enough. Everything clicked into place before I even turned around. Bella's mother. The woman who had abandoned her family four years ago. The person Nick almost never mentioned, but whose absence still left visible wounds. I turned slowly. There she was. A very beautiful woman, probably in her late twenties or early thirties. She looked just like Bella. The same dark eyes, the same delicate features, the same brown hair falling in perfect waves over her shoulders.

But what stood out most was her elegance that didn't belong here. She wore a clearly expensive dress, the kind you see in the window of high-end boutiques in Milan. High heels that sank slightly into the soft earth. A real leather handbag. Discreet jewelry, but unmistakably costly, resting at her neck and wrists. She had money. That much was obvious. But it wasn't the effortless elegance of someone born into it. It was the studied elegance of someone who wanted everyone to notice what she had.

Even I, someone who'd grown up around luxury brands and designer heels, knew this wasn't the place for a display like that. I'd deliberately rebuilt my wardrobe for my time at Valemont Estate. Partly, yes, so Nick wouldn't suspect who I really was. But partly because I genuinely wanted to fit in. To belong. Renee clearly had no such concern. Or simply didn't care. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you I was coming," she said, her voice surprisingly soft, almost regretful. "But I wanted to surprise my daughter for her birthday." Her gaze shifted to Bella, and a smile curved her perfectly painted lips.

Without thinking, I wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close

No call. No message. Not knowing whether you were alive or dead. Yes. A beautiful surprise." Martina, who had been frozen until that moment, finally moved. Quietly, efficiently, she began gathering the other children. "Come on, kids," she said in a forced cheerfulness. "Let's go inside. There are more treats waiting. And ice cream." The children, sensing the strange tension

and silence intertwined. People stepped back while the four of us remained standing there. I bent down slightly, my mouth close to Bella's ear. "Let's go inside,

her small hands gripping my clothes. "Someone who's trying not to make this worse for the child," I replied calmly.

himself partially between Renee and me, "if you'd been even minimally present in your daughter's life. If you'd called once. If you'd shown the slightest