Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 585 It was Friday morning, and I should've been at Kensington in Florentia, sitting at my desk and buried in reports and meetings. Instead, I was wrapping up my third meeting of the day with tourism agencies in the Montelira region, pitching partnerships I'd spent the entire week carefully structuring down to the smallest detail. "I know most tourists usually arrive here with their lodging already booked," I said, sliding high-quality printed brochures across the table toward the two agents sitting across from me. "But that's not the point.

This is about our unique experiences." I pointed to the photos on the brochure as I listed them. "Sunset dinners with one of the most breathtaking views in Valentia. Authentic Castorian cooking workshops with a renowned local chef. Photography workshops in truly stunning locations. A historical tour of a perfectly preserved thirteenth-century medieval tower. And, of course, grape harvest experiences during peak season, where guests can actively participate in the winemaking process. I flipped the brochure to the last page.

"Everything is outlined here in detail, including pricing and availability. And we offer very attractive commissions if your referral books with us. Fifteen percent of the total value of the experience." I watched their eyes light up at that last detail. Commissions always did the trick. Forty minutes later, we walked out of the agency with promises that they'd start recommending Valemont Estate to clients looking for authentic experiences outside the standard tourist circuit.

11 As we made our way down the cobblestone street in the historic center, Nick looked at me with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "Not that I don't trust your ideas," he began, hands tucked into the pockets of his jeans, "but where exactly are we supposed to find a renowned local chef?" I looked at him and couldn't hold back a laugh. "From your kitchen, obviously," I said, like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Martina." This time, Nick laughed, the sound echoing down the nearly empty street. "My mother is going to love being called a renowned chef," he said, shaking his head.

is an incredible cook, and everyone knows it," I argued. "But how we sell it, how we position the experience, is what makes the strategy work. 'Cooking class with the innkeeper' sounds ordinary.' Gastronomic workshop

took me a few minutes to realize we weren't heading toward where the car was parked. "Nick?" I called, stopping. "Where are we going? The car's the other way." "Your renowned chef isn't great at birthday cakes," he explained. "So I ordered one for this afternoon. I figured since we're already downtown, we could pick it up." I smiled, something warm

already spinning. If I knew what Bella wanted, maybe I could quietly make it happen without raising any suspicion about my actual financial reality. "No idea," Nick said, shoving his hands deeper into his pockets. "She's being completely mysterious about it. I

her than you probably realize. I don't think she'd ask for something she knows you can't give her." Nick

five a.m. to make it to the meetings on time. I hadn't stopped by Valemont Estate yet. I hadn't seen Bella. "I hope she likes the surprise, then," I said with a smile. The bakery was small but charming,

a neat bun, greeted us with a smile that faded quickly when Nick introduced himself. 2/4 ו "Oh, Mr. Valemont," she said, her expression turning visibly uncomfortable. "About the birthday order..." I felt Nick tense beside me. "Yes?" he asked, caution creeping into his voice. "We had a small... incident," the woman explained, wringing her hands. "A new employee who was organizing

tighten, his shoulders going rigid. "I see," he said, his voice carefully controlled, even though the frustration was obvious in his eyes. "But it's no problem at all!" she rushed to add, gesturing toward the display cases. "We have several cakes fresh out of the oven. Beautiful, delicious, perfect for a child's party. You just need