Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 307 "I'm Christian Kensington's sister-in-law," I explained simply, watching Tori nearly drop the card she was holding. Her eyes went wide, her mouth fell slightly open, and she blinked several times, like she was trying to process something impossible. "You're... what?" she asked, taking a step back and shaking her head in disbelief. "Nate never mentioned that! And he and Christian have been best friends since college." I discreetly rubbed my temple, a dull headache starting to form.

The noise of the party felt louder all of a sudden, and the chandelier lights were beginning to bother me. "Yeah," I said, leaning lightly against the nearby counter. "My sister Zoey is married to him." Tori ran a hand through her hair, still clearly processing the revelation. "I can't believe you never mentioned it... and that Nate never said anything either," she murmured, looking at me with a whole new perspective.

"Why didn't you ask Nate to make that connection with Christian for you?" I asked, genuinely curious about the family dynamic, while subtly shifting more of my weight onto the counter. Tori grimaced and looked away, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the edge of the card. "Nate isn't exactly a fan of my... plans," she admitted with a sigh, her shoulders dropping slightly. "Your plans to work as close as possible to billionaires?" I asked with a half-smile, watching her blush. " Especially the young, single ones?" Tori's cheeks flushed visibly, but she lifted her chin defensively.

"I have to think about my future," she said, crossing her arms. I leaned more fully against the counter, a wave of light dizziness washing over me. It was probably the wine on an empty stomach. Tori was gesturing as she spoke, clearly feeling judged. "I'm not judging you," I said honestly, lifting a hand in a calming gesture. "If I were, I wouldn't have helped. But the day you actually fall in love, you'll realize there are things that matter more than money or... pedigree." Tori stopped gesturing and looked at me more softly, her arms slowly uncrossing.

did this for me. And... why did you? I just

advice from her." I noticed Tori frown at the mention of Alexandra, but my attention was increasingly overtaken by the growing sense of discomfort. The music from the ballroom felt amplified now, and I had to grip the counter more

probably wasn't my best idea, but... hey, it's New Year's Eve, right?" Tori moved even closer, extending a hand as if ready to steady me if needed. "You should eat something," she said, all earlier awkwardness

motioning for her to stay. "Stay here and enjoy the party. I just need a few minutes of quiet." I left the ballroom and walked slowly toward the hotel's main lobby. The contrast was immediate, and deeply inviting. The space was empty,

subtle wave of nausea crept in. It felt like my body was reacting to something-the accumulated stress, not eating