Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 328 The Kensington lobby had never felt as imposing as it did that Monday morning. The polished marble walls and crystal chandeliers that once impressed me now felt like silent witnesses to my return to the corporate world after weeks of upheaval. My fingers tightened automatically around Nate's hand as we walked through the main entrance, exactly as he'd promised. Together. Hand in hand. Through the front door. The buzz started almost immediately.

I could feel eyes turning toward us, hear the low murmur of conversations that cut off abruptly as we passed, only to restart in even quieter tones once we moved on. Some employees tried to disguise their curiosity by pretending to check their phones or review documents, but the tension in the air was unmistakable. Everyone knew who we were. Everyone knew our story. And everyone had an opinion about us walking in side by side as an openly acknowledged couple. I felt stronger with Nate beside me, of course. His presence was an anchor, keeping me steady whenever anxiety threatened to take over.

But I also knew with an almost painful clarity that we couldn't stay glued together forever. Sooner or later, I'd have to face my coworkers' judgment on my own, and that reality hung over me like a dark cloud on the horizon. When we stepped into the elevator, we finally had a moment of relative privacy. Nate squeezed my hand and turned to face me, his green eyes full of genuine concern. "You okay?" he asked softly, his tender tone clashing with the formal setting around us. "I am," I said and to my own surprise, it was true. Despite the nerves, I felt a growing sense of determination.

" It's strange being back, but... I'm okay." #1 2 "Are you sure?" he pressed, studying my face carefully. "Because if anyone says anything out of line-" "Nate," I interrupted gently, touching his arm. "I can do this. I need to do this." He nodded, though I could tell he'd stay alert all day, ready to step in at the first sign of trouble. The elevator doors opened, and Nate walked me to the entrance of my department. A few coworkers paused what they were doing to watch us, and I felt my cheeks warm under the attention.

lunch," he murmured, just for me. "See you later," I replied, trying to sound casual even though my heart was racing. Gwen was already at her desk when I walked in,

shaking her head in obvious amusement. "I'm pretty sure I know exactly how you two enjoyed that bed," she said with a teasing lilt. "Probably the same way you and my brother enjoyed your vacation,"

happened!" she protested, but the smile she was trying to hide gave her away completely. "Of course it isn't," I said sarcastically, dodging the flying stationery. "That's why you're red as a tomato right now." The morning passed surprisingly fast. I managed to focus on work, reviewing reports that had piled up during my time off and getting up to speed on ongoing projects. A few coworkers greeted me

cappuccino and enjoying a few quiet minutes, when Margaret walked in. She spotted me immediately and headed my way, her expression a mix of determination and something that looked a lot like nerves.

Kensington." I stared at the gifts, then at the people gathering around us, completely confused. "I... I don't understand," I murmured. Margaret took a deep breath, her expression turning serious. "No woman should ever have to go through what you went through at that party," she said clearly,