Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 253 Nathaniel's POV +25 Bonus I was still trying to process the blowout with Alexandra when my laptop screen lit up on its own, showing an incoming video call. Christian's name flashed on the display, and I answered immediately. The moment his camera came on, worry punched straight through me. Christian wasn't in his pristine office, the one I was used to seeing during our meetings. He was clearly in a bedroom. Toys were scattered in the background, and he looked exhausted. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and tension clung to him like a second skin.

"Christian, are you okay?" I asked before he could even say hello. "I haven't slept properly in three days." He dragged a hand over his face, confirming everything I'd already noticed. "Matt has pneumonia. The doctors are monitoring him closely. Zoey and I are taking turns staying with him at the hospital, and we're not leaving until we know he's completely out of danger.' 11 My stomach twisted. Matt had been born premature just a few months ago. The idea that he might be in danger was terrifying. "How is he now? Do you need anything?" "He's stable, thank God.

But I can't leave Verdania right now, not until we know he's fully in the clear." Christian leaned back, and I could practically feel the weight pressing down on him. "That's why I'm calling. I heard what happened with Annie." My jaw tightened on instinct. "The situation is... complicated." "I already sent someone I trust to London to deal with it.' 11 "And the board?" 11 "You're not being removed while this is being sorted out." Christian fixed his eyes on me through the screen. And Annie will be back soon too. The suspension is temporary until everything is officially clarified.

If I'd known earlier, I would've stopped it, but with everything happening with Matt..." Relief loosened something in my chest, at least a little. Annie wouldn't be professionally destroyed because of Alexandra's dirty games. "Thank you, Christian. I didn't know what else to do." "From what I heard, the real issue is the unresolved tension between you two." Christian leaned forward, slipping into that no-bullshit posture he always used when he wanted to cut straight to the point. "People are assuming she might have pulled information from you to benefit herself.

onto my shoulders. "It's not like Annie wants anything to do with me." Christian gave me the look. The one I'd seen a thousand times. The one he saved

worrying about corporate protocol and workplace politics, Annie was out there dealing with the suspension, the humiliation Alexandra had engineered, and everything on her own. "I..." I started, but the rest wouldn't come out. "Nate, you've been my best friend for years. I've watched you handle corporate crises, impossible negotiations, situations that would break most people. But I've never

you don't, stop torturing both of you and let her move on." We sat in silence for a few seconds. I heard voices in the background on his side-Zoey, probably talking to a nurse about Matt. And suddenly I remembered how hard Christian had fought for her, how he'd pushed through every obstacle until he had the life he wanted with her. "You're right," I finally said. "I'm always right." Christian actually smiled for the first time since the call started. "Now

Christian was right. I was being a coward. I grabbed my coat and walked out of the office with a determination I hadn't felt in days. Annie's POV I paced from the couch to the window for maybe the tenth time in five minutes. The apartment was too quiet. It was silent enough that every anxious

phone again, checking to see if I'd missed any messages. Nothing. I typed quickly to Zoey: [You free? I need to talk.] Her reply came in less than a minute. [Sorry, love. Matt has pneumonia, we're heading to the hospital. I'll call you as soon as I can. Are you okay?] Pneumonia? Matt was sick. My chest tightened instantly, and all my self-pity dissolved into real worry for my nephew. 2/3 "Of course, stay with him.