Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 424 Madeline's POV Margaret had worked miracles. When Annie and Nate arrived at eight that evening, the apartment was spotless, and the rich, comforting aroma of porcini mushroom risotto filled the air. Marcus and I were both ready. He wore a dark blue dress shirt that made his eyes stand out, and I had on a black dress that softly skimmed my belly. "Madeline!" Annie exclaimed the moment the door opened, pulling me into a warm hug that had to be carefully negotiated to accommodate both of our bellies. Seeing Annie in person after months apart was surprising.

She was glowing, that unmistakable pregnancy radiance, but she was also visibly bigger than I remembered. At thirty-five weeks, her belly was impressive, and she moved with the careful grace of someone long accustomed to carrying extra weight. Nate stayed close to her, one hand always protectively at her back or ready to support her as she sat down. There was something deeply touching about the way he anticipated her every move, how he seemed to instinctively know when she needed a pillow behind her back or when it was time to grab her a glass of water.

"You look beautiful," Annie said, looking me over with approval. "Pregnancy really suits you." "Thank you," I replied, watching as Nate helped Annie settle onto the couch with an ease that spoke of months of practice. "The two of you look... perfect together." And it was true. There was a rhythm between Annie and Nate that made me realize how much Marcus and I were still learning about our own dynamic. They communicated through looks, small gestures, casual touches that showed an intimacy built over time.

Marcus and I, on the other hand, were still discovering each other's rhythms, still negotiating space and expectations. During dinner, the conversation flowed easily from one topic to another. Nate talked about projects at Kensington Euradia, Annie shared stories about her dog Ginger, and Marcus updated them on the state of the company in Verdania after all the media chaos. "And speaking of chaos," Marcus said, taking a sip of wine, "Christian had an absolutely insane idea to boost team morale." "Oh no," Annie laughed. "I know that tone.

Cold, rain, the whole thing." Marcus shook his head, amused. "He thinks if everyone survives freezing temperatures and snow together, it'll create an unbreakable bond." Nate nearly choked on his wine. "You're actually going to do that?" "Christian is determined," Marcus sighed. "He's convinced it'll be a life-changing experience for everyone." Annie rested a hand on her very pregnant belly and laughed. "Well, thank God thirty-five weeks pregnant

really been a camping person." "Same," Annie agreed. "I much prefer a hotel with room service and a private bathroom." The conversation naturally drifted toward pregnancy. Annie and I compared symptoms. She was past the nausea stage but

in the morning desperately craving coconut ice cream with pickles," I said, making Annie laugh. "At least pickles exist here," she replied. "I spent two weeks obsessed with my mom's cornmeal cake, which obviously does not exist in London. Nate had to fly to Verdania just to bring it to me." I looked at Nate with genuine admiration. "Seriously?"

only just learning how to see it. "And do you know the gender yet?" Annie asked. "Not yet," I said. "Our next appointment is next

she mentioned the birth, as if offering quiet reassurance. There was a partnership there that went far beyond physical attraction or basic compatibility. They were a real team. Two people who had become