Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 296 I was sitting on the edge of the bed, absentmindedly scrolling through my phone and glancing at the clock on the nightstand. It was almost midnight. Nate had stayed downstairs to "finish a conversation" with Alexandra, and I couldn't pretend I was comfortable with that. It wasn't jealousy-at least not the childish, possessive kind that makes some women unravel. It was something subtler, and far more dangerous.

A quiet understanding that Alexandra was an expert at working in the shadows, slipping in little comments that planted doubt, orchestrating "casual" moments that were anything but accidental. I took a deep breath and reminded myself of the decision I'd made. I wasn't going to let her shake me. I wasn't going to give Alexandra the satisfaction of seeing me crack or spiral. Whatever she was trying to do, I was ready for it. Finally, I heard footsteps on the stairs, and the bedroom door opened.

Nate walked in looking more serious than usual, but the second his eyes found mine, I saw real relief cross his face. "Sorry I took so long," he said, coming to sit beside me on the bed. "Everything okay?" I asked, searching his expression. "It is now," he said, taking my hand and threading our fingers together. "I just needed to make some things clear to her." "Like what?" "That her expensive gifts aren't welcome. That she can't just show up here acting like she's part of the family. And that you and I are together...

and she needs to accept that once and for all." There was something in the way he said it that told me he was leaving parts out, but I didn't push. If it mattered, he'd tell me when he was ready. Our linked hands rested quietly between us, and I felt some of the tension bleed out of him. "And she took that well?" I asked dryly. "As expected," Nate said with a half-smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "But at least it's clear where I stand. 11 He leaned in to kiss me. It was a soft kiss, but meaningful.

throwing out those insinuations all night." "We're in

second they noticed us coming down the stairs, the entire energy shifted. "...and that's why the New Year's Eve party is going to be extra special this year," Alexandra was saying brightly, 1/3 as if they hadn't just been mid-argument. "Good morning," Nate said, his suspicion barely hidden. "Good morning!" Tori

talking about how amazing the Kensington New Year's party is going to be." I leaned toward Nate and whispered under my breath as we walked toward the breakfast table, "Bet she's already tearing me apart for your sister." He squeezed my hand in answer. Breakfast was a masterclass in how Alexandra could seamlessly insert herself into any conversation. When

impressive at the same time. After breakfast, we all stepped out into the Carters' garden to say our goodbyes, since Nate and I were heading back to London. Sarah arrived shortly after, excited to see the puppies again and help Oliver with the newborn care. I took the chance to say goodbye to the golden retriever and her

for a second." There was something in the way she said it that made me think of my own mother, and a sudden wave of homesickness hit me without warning. But it also made me think about protective instincts-how some were genuine,