Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 417 Vivian's POV I was stretched out on the Valentian leather sofa in the living room, legs propped up, watching a thriller Dominic had chosen. It wasn't exactly my first choice for a Thursday night, but I'd learned a long time ago that agreeing with his preferences was easier than trying to negotiate. Dominic was lounging on the other end of the couch, looking perfectly relaxed, a glass of whiskey in hand and an almost zen expression on his face.

It was impressive how he managed to stay so unnervingly calm, as if the past ten days hadn't been a complete storm of press, lawyers, and damage control strategies. The house was quiet except for the sound of the TV. We'd sent the maid home earlier, and the place had that domestic stillness that always made me slightly uneasy. Moments like this reminded me just how transactional our relationship really was, intimacy disguised as comfort. The movie cut to a commercial break, and that was when a polished Kensington wine ad appeared on screen.

Stunning shots of vineyards in Serra Gaúcha, followed by elegant scenes of sophisticated people tasting wine in luxurious settings. "You know what I don't understand?" I said, keeping my eyes on the screen. "What?" Dominic asked, sounding only mildly interested as he swirled the ice in his whiskey. "How you can be so calm while our golden goose, carrying your little golden chick, is hiding somewhere in the world with that Kensington." Dominic turned his head toward me, a small smile forming at the corner of his mouth. "Somewhere in the world, no," he corrected calmly. "Valentia.

you officially reported her kidnapping or let her parents do it?" Dominic took a deliberately slow sip of his whiskey before answering. "Because it's not time yet." "What

made every paper call Kensington an international kidnapper." "Exactly," he agreed, his eyes glinting with a familiar satisfaction. "Because my plan includes completely

a low, genuinely amused sound I rarely heard from him. "If I tell you now, it won't have the same impact when it happens." "Come on, Dominic," I pressed, shifting a little closer to him on the couch. "We're partners in this. I have a right to

as long as you're useful," he replied without hesitation, his eyes studying me with an intensity that made me swallow hard. Even after all these years by Dominic's side, moments like this still made