Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 520 Marcus' POV I was finishing adjusting my tie in the living room mirror, studying my reflection with a mix of nerves and anticipation, when the doorbell rang. The celebration at the Sullivan Parks wasn't for a few more hours, and there was still an important conversation I needed to have before we left. "I'll get it," Madeline said, gliding past me. Her dark blue dress fluttered softly as she headed for the door. I heard it open, followed by Zoey and Christian's animated voices greeting Madeline with the easy affection of people who had become family over the months. "Madeline!

You look beautiful!" Zoey exclaimed, stepping inside and kissing her cheek with genuine enthusiasm. "You both look amazing too," Madeline replied, smiling in that warm way of hers that lit up any room. Come in, come in. Make yourselves at home." Christian followed his wife inside, impeccable as always in his perfectly tailored dark suit. He greeted me with a nod and that familiar half-smile that carried years of shared history between us. "Marcus," he said simply. "Ready for the party?" "Almost," I answered, giving my tie one last adjustment before stepping away from the mirror.

"I just need to convince these two to get out of here in under two hours." "Hey!" Madeline protested, though she was laughing, that playful sparkle in her eyes. "I won't take that long." "Of course you won't," Zoey agreed with far too much confidence, already hooking her arm through Madeline's conspiratorially. "We're just doing a few final touch-ups-hair and makeup. Fifteen minutes max, I promise." Christian and I exchanged a knowing look that needed no words. We both knew from experience that fifteen minutes in female vocabulary meant at least forty. Probably more.

"Alright then," Zoey said, already tugging Madeline toward the hallway with determination. "I have some ideas for your hair that are going to be perfect..." Their voices drifted away, punctuated by laughter and excited commentary about hairstyles and accessories, until they disappeared completely when the bedroom door closed in the distance. The apartment grew quieter, the distant hum of traffic below filtering in through the windows. I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the envelope I knew was tucked away in the office, waiting for this moment.

in my chest. "I need to talk to you about something." Christian turned slowly, and for a brief second I saw something pass through his expression- recognition, maybe. Or resignation. He knew me too well

a dark wooden desk, a few shelves lined with books and documents, and two comfortable armchairs positioned across from the desk. Afternoon light streamed through the blinds, casting bands of light and shadow across the floor. Christian stepped inside and

busy to interrupt us-but because the gesture felt right for the conversation we were about to have. nt to the desk and opened the top drawer, taking out the white envelope I'd prepared the day before. I for a moment, feeling the symbolic weight of that piece of paper, knowing it represented such a nt change in my life. When I turned back to Christian, I found him watching me with that expression I

"At least things are finally right with Kensington," I started, choosing to lead with the positive, with what we had built together. "The company has fully recovered. In

meticulous manipulation, every calculated attempt to destroy the company, his true nature laid bare in shocking detail-the public narrative shifted dramatically, almost overnight. Kensington went from being seen as a company tangled in dirty

still be fighting to prove our innocence. We'd probably be bankrupt." "That's true. Madeline was essential," I agreed, pride swelling in my chest as I thought about everything my wife had faced. "But it was also because of the work you've always done, Christian. The way you kept Kensington solid even when everything looked like it was falling