Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 450 Madeline's POV The bonfire crackled loudly in the forest, lighting up the faces of the thirty Kensington team members gathered around it in a wide, uneven circle. The air was freezing, but the flames gave off a comforting warmth that made the night pleasant despite the harsh mountain winter. It was a moment of lightness after an intense day. Even though we'd lost the bridge challenge, our two victories had put us in the overall lead. And best of all, Montgomery was in last place.

"A toast to the most united team I've ever seen!" Christian shouted from across the fire, raising his glass of wine. Cheers echoed through the forest, and several people clapped. The atmosphere was festive, with lively conversations breaking out in small groups around the flames. Marcus sat beside me, our shoulders touching to share warmth. The firelight danced across his face, casting shadows that somehow made him even more handsome. Olivia had settled on a nearby rock, Luke was sitting on the ground with his back against a tree, and Mia was holding a skewer of marshmallows over the fire.

"Anyone want one?" Mia offered, holding up a perfectly golden marshmallow. "I do," I said, reaching for it. The candy was hot and sticky, the texture so strange it made me laugh as I tried to chew. "First time?" Marcus asked, noticing my surprised expression. "Eating marshmallows around a campfire?" I laughed, finally managing to swallow. "Definitely." Marcus looked genuinely surprised. "You've never gone camping before?" "I have," I replied, watching the sparks drift up toward the stars.

organized camps in a reserve near the main park headquarters," I explained. " It was one of their most famous promotional events. Families came from all over the country." "Sounds fun," someone

asked, leaning in slightly so he could hear me over the crackle of the fire. "Well," I started, counting on my fingers, "I had to look perfect even after hours of outdoor activities. I couldn't get my clothes dirty, couldn't mess up my hair, couldn't scream or run around like the other kids because there were always photographers documenting everything." 1/3 "Photographers at a summer camp?" Zoey

at Sullivan camps! Come join us!' So I had to smile constantly, pose when needed, interact politely with every kid even when all I wanted was to play freely." Marcus shook his head, the firelight flickering in his eyes.

listened to all the other kids laughing around the fire, telling scary stories, singing songs..." "No marshmallows?" Mia asked, offering another skewer. "Definitely not part of my balanced diet," I laughed bitterly. "Too much sugar could make me hyper or cause breakouts. There was a nutritionist monitoring everything I ate during those events. Marcus watched me