Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 305 The morning of December 31st arrived with a mental clarity I hadn't felt in days. I woke up earlier than usual, filled with a sense of determination that had been missing ever since the truth about Wanderer came out. My conversation with Zoey the day before had lifted a weight off my shoulders, one I hadn't even realized I was carrying. The pressure to feel what I thought I should feel, instead of accepting what I actually felt. Around nine a.m., my phone buzzed with Nate's usual morning message.

For days, I'd read every single one without replying, stuck between stubbornness and confusion. Today was different. [Good morning, Annie. I hope you have a wonderful night tonight.] `I picked up my phone and, for the first time in five days, typed a response. [See you tonight.] It was simple. Direct. But heavy with meaning. It wasn't forgiveness. It wasn't a promise that everything was okay. It was just an acknowledgment that I was ready to talk, to be in the same space and figure out where we stood.

I sent it before I could second-guess myself and immediately set the phone down, resisting the urge to wait for his reply. The rest of the morning was dedicated to a mission that turned out to be harder than expected: finding the perfect dress for the night. I went through my closet three times, tried on outfits that would normally satisfy me, but nothing felt right for this moment. I didn't want anything that screamed I'm trying to impress you. But I also didn't want something too casual, something that suggested I didn't care about the event, or about seeing Nate.

I needed something that reflected exactly how I felt: determined, elegant, but still a little vulnerable. Confident, but not arrogant. After hours of indecision, I finally chose a white dress I'd bought months earlier and never had the chance to wear. Elegant without being flashy. Sophisticated without being overdone. The choice felt automatic, almost instinctive. As a Verdanian, wearing white on New Year's Eve was tradition.

on the streets of Celesete with my family, surrounded by millions of people dressed in white, waiting for fireworks over the ocean. The fabric flowed in a way that made me feel both feminine and powerful, and the color carried a sense of renewal that felt exactly right. I spent the rest of the afternoon easing into my prep routine, using each step

what she wanted and wasn't afraid to go after it. The Uber I'd called arrived right on time at ten. During the ride to the

1/3 building, creating a magical atmosphere worthy of one of the most prestigious hotel chains in the world. Luxury cars filled the circular drive, and music and conversation drifted out from inside. I took a deep breath as I approached the main entrance. Elegantly dressed staff welcomed guests, and through the glowing windows I could see the event already in full

an elegant party space, with gold and silver décor reflecting the light of century-old crystal chandeliers. A live band played in the corner, shifting between

faces-Kensington colleagues, important clients, executives from other companies. It was exactly the kind of event Kensington excelled at: elegant, sophisticated, a subtle yet unmistakable display of success and influence. I took a glass of champagne from a passing server and began to move through the ballroom, greeting familiar faces and engaging in polite, event-appropriate small talk. But part of my attention was constantly scanning the room, searching