Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 242 Nathaniel's POV The air on the terrace stayed heavy even after Annie and Zoey disappeared. An awkward silence settled over the group, broken only by the distant music drifting from the main hall. Alexandra stood there with that satisfied little smile, like she'd just won something important. She clearly believed she'd "put me in my place" with that toxic comment. Gwen and Matthew exchanged uneasy glances. Neither knew how to handle what had just happened. Henry looked genuinely lost, trying to make sense of Alexandra's insinuation without understanding the context.

That was when Christian stepped toward me. His face was neutral, but I knew that look. It was CEO mode. Leader mode. Decision-making mode. "Nate," he said in a calm, controlled voice. "We need to talk." That wasn't a request. It was a polite order. We walked to the far end of the terrace, where the string lights cast softer shadows and gave us a bit more privacy. Alexandra watched us from a distance, eyebrows lifted, clearly convinced Christian was about to reprimand me for being involved with an employee. If she knew what was actually about to happen, she wouldn't be smiling.

"So," Christian said as soon as we were far enough, cutting straight to the point. "Is it true? What Alexandra implied?" I rubbed the back of my neck. Tension had settled deep there. Lying never crossed my mind. Christian deserved honesty, especially now that Annie was part of his family. "Yes," I said. "It happened. But it was before she officially joined Kensington. I won't pretend I didn't know who she was, because I did. I figured it out while we were talking. What happened was impulsive." I paused, choosing my next words carefully.

that." "Then what's the problem?" I asked. Even though, deep down, I already knew. "The problem is that she's my sister-in-law," Christian said without hesitation. "Zoey's sister. And I'm not going to let you treat her like some passing fling. Annie

it's getting impossible, Chris." I lifted my head and met his gaze. "Do you remember how it was with Zoey?" I asked. "All that mess when you were figuring out what you felt for her? Complicated. Full of obstacles. But you didn't walk away." Christian narrowed his eyes, clearly seeing where I was going. Christian didn't flinch. "Are you telling

for her is nothing like what I've felt for anyone else. I knew it from the moment I saw her on that plane." "I I ran a hand through my hair. "But Annie is focused on her career. And now, after the poison Alexandra spilled... whatever chance I might have had feels gone. She won't give me space for anything outside

a steady hand on my shoulder. The gesture surprised me more than anything he'd said so far. "Then do what I did," he said with quiet conviction. "Prove you're worth it. Prove this isn't about physical attraction or some moment of curiosity." "And how am I supposed to do that when she won't talk to me about anything except work?" "The same way I won Zoey over when she thought I was just another rich playboy."

if you play with her feelings or treat her like she's disposable, you will answer to me. And I won't be understanding." I nodded, the seriousness of his warning landing exactly