Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 240 Nathaniel's POV When I saw Annie walking up to the terrace with Henry, a sharp sting of jealousy hit me. I tried to rationalize it as professional concern. After all, Henry was an important client, and Annie was a valuable employee. It made sense that I'd want to be sure things were going smoothly. At least that's what I kept trying to tell myself. "The Vintara wines are being very well received," Alexandra said beside me, following my gaze. "Christian always chooses the best." "Hmm," I muttered, only half listening.

"I think I'll take a look at the terrace," I said, aiming for casual. "Check how the drink setup is doing outside." "Great idea," Alexandra agreed immediately. "I'll go with you. I want everything to be perfect." So much for going alone. The terrace was beautifully decorated, tiny lights woven through the greenery, giving the whole space a warm, intimate glow. Henry and Annie were talking near the railing. She held a glass of red wine and laughed at something he'd said. Her laugh was real, unguarded, and for a moment I wondered if I was being ridiculous for letting it bother me.

"Henry," Alexandra called out as she approached with her flawless social smile. "Are you enjoying the party?" "Very much," Henry said, turning to greet us. "You've exceeded all expectations. And the terrace is spectacular." "Thank you," she said, clearly pleased. "And Annie, you look radiant tonight. What a beautiful dress." "Thank you," Annie said. I noticed how she avoided my eyes when she greeted us. A few minutes later, Zoey and Christian stepped onto the terrace, followed closely by Matthew and Gwen.

What had started as a quiet moment between Henry and Annie quickly grew into a small group gathering. "Oh good, there you are," Zoey said as she reached us with Christian. "It was getting stuffy inside." "The terrace is perfect for conversation," Christian said, taking a glass of wine from a passing server. The conversation flowed easily. We talked about travel, about the differences between the Euradian and Verdanian markets, about wine, about the event itself.

me in Kyria," Matthew said, slipping into the tone of someone about to

them, sprinting through the airport in 1/3 panic. I didn't know Matthew well, but I was beginning to notice that funny disasters seemed to be a Bennett family specialty, something Annie had definitely inherited. In that moment when everyone was laughing and distracted, I leaned a little closer

glass in hand, and the soft terrace lights picked up every detail of that deep wine dress that fit her curves way too perfectly. My voice came out low enough for only her to hear. "You have no idea how much harder you're making things tonight. That dress is wrecking my focus." I didn't know how I let that slip. Annie and I had managed to keep things professional

a beat, I saw something flicker across her face. Maybe the same tension tightening my chest. But she didn't have the chance to answer. The group burst into laughter again at one of Matthew's gestures. She dropped her gaze, biting her lip like she was trying to hide her reaction. I had forgotten Alexandra was right beside me, just a step behind. I noticed the shift in her posture. Her shoulders went stiff. Her smile tightened at the

pointed looks at Annie and Henry. That's when Alexandra decided the spotlight belonged to her. "Well," she said with a tone