Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 343 Alexandra's arrest sent a shockwave through the ballroom. Guests clustered into small groups to dissect the drama that had just unfolded before their eyes. But the truth was, after the initial shock, Nate and I didn't want to think about Alexandra or her schemes ever again. She'd already stolen far too much energy from our lives. Instead, we chose to turn the rest of the night into a true celebration. We danced until our feet ached. We laughed, toasted, and let ourselves have fun in a way we hadn't in months. T.

ense of freedom was almost tangible, like a massive weight had finally been lifted off our shoulders, letting us breathe without constantly waiting for the next attack. Our family and friends joined in naturally. Zoey and Christian looked years younger, laughing and dancing like lovestruck teenagers. Matthew became the life of the party, telling outrageous stories the way only he could. Oliver and Sarah, who had come all the way from Bath for the event, were glowing, soaking up every second of the London night.

Even Tori who was usually more reserved at social events, was dancing with Marcus, laughing in a way I'd never seen before. There was something incredibly liberating about knowing we could finally have family gatherings without worrying about sabotage or manipulation. Gwen took on the role of unofficial photographer, capturing candid moments of joy we already knew we'd want to remember forever. It felt like we'd all sílently agreed this was a celebration of freedom, our victory over someone who had tried to tear our happiness apart. The hours flew by without us noticing.

Lively conversations blended with music, laughter echoed through the room, and bottles of wine were opened one after another to toast every new joke or shared story. It was one of those rare, magical nights that happen when people who genuinely love each other come together to celebrate something real. When I finally glanced at the clock, it was almost four in the morning. The ballroom was nearly empty now, with only our table still buzzing and a few hotel staff discreetly tidying up around us. "I think it's time to head home," Nate said, slipping an arm around my waist.

I asked Oliver and Sarah, who looked just as exhausted as we did. "Actually," Oliver said with a yawn, "I was hoping either you or Tori might offer the guest room. I'm way too tired to drive back to Bath now." "Of course!" I said immediately. "Our home is your home." We left the hotel as a loud, happy group. The cold London air was refreshing after hours inside the

a cartoon villain fall straight into their own trap." "Poetic justice," I agreed, squeezing his hand. "She finally

toward us, followed by the excited barking that always greeted us whenever we came home. Instead, I was met with an eerie silence that instantly set

never failed to greet us at the door. Morning, afternoon, or the middle of the night, she always came running, tail wagging like we were the most important people in the world. "Ginger!"

hold it up for more than a second before it fell again, as if she didn't have the strength. "Ginger!" I screamed, running to her, my heart pounding wildly. Oliver, who had come in right behind us, instantly switched into veterinarian mode when he heard my cry. He moved past me quickly, dropping to his knees beside the couch and examining Ginger with practiced, steady hands. "What happened to her?" I asked, my voice breaking as I watched him check her pupils, feel her pulse, assess her