Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 586 It was already early afternoon when we arrived back at Valemont Estate, the cake carefully secured in the back seat. Bella greeted us at the front door, practically bouncing with excitement. Part of it was because I was there for her party, just like I'd promised. But mostly it was because she was a child, and children have very clear priorities when it comes to birthday parties. "Did you get it? Did you get my cake?" she asked, trying to peek inside the box Nick was holding well above her reach. "We did," he confirmed with a smile. "But you can't see it yet.

It's a surprise." "Dad!" she complained, but she was smiling so wide it was impossible to take her seriously. Nick had decided to set up the party in a small area of the property near the main house, under the shade of several old trees that kept things cool even in the afternoon heat. It wasn't elaborate. It wasn't for the guests. Just family, a few close employees, and Bella's school friends, who would start arriving in a couple of hours. But simple didn't mean careless. Nick paid attention to every detail with meticulous care.

"The chairs go here," he said, pointing to a spot beneath the largest tree. "And the main table over there, where everyone can see when we cut the cake." Martina was inside preparing the food. Simple but delicious snacks, the smell already drifting out through the open windows. Sandwiches cut into fun shapes. Sliced fruit. Fresh juices in large glass pitchers. Bella was everywhere at once, darting from place to place, helping carry napkins, arranging paper plates, moving the decorations three times because they weren't "perfectly right." "Gwen!" she called at one point, running up to me.

too!" Bella exclaimed like she'd just made the most important decision of her life. "Dad! Let's move the balloons!" Nick, who had tied those exact balloons in their original spot less than five minutes earlier, shot me a look of exaggerated exasperation that made me laugh. Martina eventually came

extra decorations she'd picked up in town. We worked together for over an hour. Setting up tables. Hanging "Happy Birthday" banners between the tree branches. Blowing up balloons until my lungs hurt. Arranging chairs in a semicircle around the main 1/4 area. Bella supervised it all with the seriousness of a general commanding troops, making constant adjustments and offering strong opinions on every aesthetic choice.

to give her a bath and help her change for the party.

"Thank you," he said quietly. "For being here. For coming. I know you have responsibilities in Florentia. But it means a lot to Bella. To me too." I turned to look at him, and he was closer than I'd realized. Close enough to see the faint lines around his green eyes. Close enough to

fingers tracing my jaw with a tenderness that stole my breath. I didn't think. I didn't plan. I just leaned in, closing the small distance between us. Our lips met. The kiss started soft, almost hesitant. Testing. Asking. His lips were warm and gentle against mine, and my