Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 333 The living room of the mansion had become the heart of our family gathering. We were all spread out across the plush sofas and leather armchairs, with Ginger weaving between us like a small, furry ambassador, collecting affection from one person before moving on to the next. A gentle breeze from the hills drifted through the open windows, carrying the scent of grapevines and the distant sound of crickets, creating the perfect atmosphere for conversations that naturally stretched into the night. 'And Grandpa?" I asked, settling more comfortably on the sofa beside Annie. "How is he?

It's been a while since e last talked in person." Christian smiled, clearly happy to talk about his grandfather. "He's doing great, actually better than he has in years," he said, taking a sip of wine. "He's been spending a lot of time at the villa in Valentia with Lucy. He's calmer there, not as involved in the day-to-day business." "That's good for his heart," I said, remembering how worried we'd all been about Joseph's health over the past few years. "Exactly," Christian agreed. "The doctor said the lower stress levels have done wonders for him. And Lucy...

well, she has a really positive effect on his mood. I've never seen him this relaxed." "They're arriving tomorrow for Matt's party, right?" Annie asked, gently petting Ginger, who had decided her lap was the perfect place for a nap. "Yes, they should get in around lunchtime," Zoey confirmed. "Joseph is really excited about the party. And Lucy can't wait to see you all." The conversation flowed easily after that, moving from party preparations to funny stories about Matt, to updates on everyone's work.

Matthew talked about his projects in Ascia, Gwen shared vacation gossip from Valentia, and Marcus chimed in with observations about cultural differences he'd noticed during his business trips. When the clock on the wall crept close to midnight, Annie let out a discreet yawn beside me, trying to hide the exhaustion from the long journey. "I think it's time we get some rest," I suggested, standing and offering her my hand. "Tomorrow's going to be a long day." "Good idea," Annie agreed, carefully transferring the sleeping Ginger into my arms.

white that made it feel calm and welcoming. "Wow, it's so warm,"

balcony a few times before settling into a cool spot near the plants, where a cross-breeze created a pocket of fresher air. "Even she's looking for a cooler place to survive the Verdanian heat," I joked, watching Ginger stretch out comfortably on the cool stone floor of

worn during the day. "Smart girl," she said, tossing it over a chair. "She's already figured out that survival in Verdania is all about finding the right breeze." I watched Annie get ready for bed, struck by how at ease she looked here-how her movements softened, how everything about her seemed more relaxed in this familiar place. There was something about being in Verdania, surrounded by her family, that made everything

me with that look I knew so well, tired from the trip, yet still filled with quiet desire. I traced slow, gentle lines along her skin with my fingertips, admiring the way she glowed

the world. Afterward, as we lay tangled together, warm and content, I noticed Annie make that gesture again. Without thinking, her hand drifted to her stomach, fingers resting there in an unconscious, hopeful caress. I let out a quiet breath, careful not to show the