Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 288 After we finished dinner, everyone gathered in the living room around the crackling fireplace. The setting was perfect-soft candlelight mixing with the warm glow of the flames, the quiet murmur of intimate conversations punctuated by occasional laughter, and the comforting smell of the hot chocolate Elizabeth had made for everyone. The Christmas decorations scattered around the room caught the light in a magical way, creating a cozy atmosphere that made me feel like part of the family, even though I was still technically an outsider.

Richard had settled near the piano, his fingers brushing the keys now and then in soft melodies that served as the perfect soundtrack for the evening. Oliver and Sarah were curled up on the sofa, speaking quietly about the golden retriever's puppies, who were now sleeping peacefully in the clinic. Tori had claimed an elegant armchair, wine glass in hand, watching the entire family dynamic with that impeccable posture that seemed to be her signature.

"Well," Elizabeth said, rising to her feet with that maternal smile that had won me over from the start, can't let Christmas pass without exchanging gifts, can we?" "we She walked to a small pile of presents neatly arranged beneath the tree and returned with a package wrapped in gold paper. "For you, Annie," she said, handing it to me with a warm, expectant smile. "It's nothing too elaborate, but..." I took the gift, immediately feeling something soft inside. When I unwrapped it, I found a beautiful handmade scarf in shades of blue and gray, colors that complemented my skin perfectly.

The craftsmanship was flawless, with every stitch perfect. I could tell it had taken hours to make. "Elizabeth..." I murmured, running my fingers across the soft wool. "You made this?" "I started as soon as Nate told me you were coming for Christmas," she said, clearly pleased by my reaction. "I thought it would be useful for English winters." My eyes stung with tears. It wasn't just the gift, though it was beautiful. It was the gesture, the care, the time she'd spent making something special for someone she barely knew. It was the way she'd made room for me in her family from the very start.

Annie too," Tori said suddenly, catching me completely off guard. Everyone turned to look at her, clearly as surprised as I was. Tori stood gracefully and walked to her bag, where she pulled out an elegant envelope. "It's nothing too personal," she said, handing it to me

I opened the envelope and found a gift card from a store I recognized only vaguely-but I knew enough to know it was one of the most luxurious in London. The amount printed on it made my throat tighten. "Tori, I... this is incredibly generous," I managed, genuinely surprised and oddly touched by the unexpected 1/3 gesture. "I recommend spending it on a good pair of boots," she said casually, taking a sip of wine. "My brother's girlfriend shouldn't be running around in Primark boots." Instinctively, I glanced down

be kind while somehow being generous and slightly insulting at the same time. "Thank you," I said, choosing to focus on the intention rather than the delivery. "I'll use it well." I was finally starting to understand Tori and her very particular way of showing affection. She genuinely had no filter, even when she was trying to be thoughtful. It was like she physically couldn't express herself without

night, and I was starting to think it was strange. I tried to stay focused on the conversation around me. Oliver was telling a funny story from his veterinary clinic, and Richard had started playing a soft Christmas melody on the

I heard Nate's voice calling from the corridor: "Tori, can you come here for a second?" Tori's brow tightened slightly, but she stood with her usual elegance and slipped out of the room. Moments later, muffled voices drifted in from the direction of the kitchen.