Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 320 Dinner turned out to be exactly what I needed. It was chaotic, loud, and overflowing with love. Nate's large dining table had more than enough room for all nine of us, yet everyone chose to sit close together anyway, creating an intimate, cozy atmosphere. Pizza boxes covered the center of the table alongside open bottles of wine, plates with leftovers from the Valentian appetizers Nate had ordered, and half-full glasses that were constantly being refilled. Conversations overlapped in a familiar symphony of animated voices.

Matthew was in the middle of a hilarious story about a cultural misunderstanding he'd experienced in the Imperial City, gesturing so wildly he nearly knocked over his wine glass twice. Oliver and Sarah were laughing to the point of tears at something Christian had said about the quirks of doing business in Verdania. Zoey and Gwen were whispering about some piece of gossip that almost certainly involved someone from Valentian high society.

Tori was completely in her element, asking questions about everyone's lives and absorbing every detail as if she were mentally cataloging it all for future use. Nate moved around the table like a natural host, making sure everyone had enough food and that the conversations flowed effortlessly. I found myself watching it all with a deep sense of contentment. There was something magical about seeing such different worlds blend so naturally-my warm, loud Verdanian family, the more reserved but equally affectionate Brits, and Gwen bringing her effortless Valentian elegance.

It felt like all these people from such different cultures had always belonged in my life. "Annie, you're very quiet," Zoey noticed at one point, gently nudging me. "Are you okay?" "I'm just... taking all of this in," I said honestly, gesturing toward the table full of people I loved. "It's surreal- in a good way." Christian raised his wine glass. "A toast," he announced, and the conversations slowly quieted. "To family.

laughter and crystal. As the night went on, the inevitable goodbyes began. Oliver was the first to mention

big-brother tone. 1/3 Chapter 320 [ +25 Bonus "At least I warn you before

much more subdued way. "I'm going to stay in London for now," Gwen said as she picked up her bag. "If you need a friend, you know where to find me." She exchanged

of them had put into words yet. Matthew didn't even wait a full minute after Gwen left before announcing: "Well, I'm heading out too!" He kissed Zoey and me goodbye, shook hands' with Christian and Nate, and practically sprinted for the door. "They're not even trying to hide

buttons of his shirt while they talked. "How long are you staying in London?"