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.

tone of someone about to tell a wild story. "I was mistaken for a pop star.' "No way," Gwen laughed. "You don't look

a group of fans was running after me, yelling, trying to take photos..." Everyone burst out laughing as he acted out how he'd tried to escape them, sprinting through the airport in 1/3 panic. I didn't know Matthew well, but I was

idea how much harder you're

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

anything in that moment, but I knew she'd heard every word. The conversation rolled on, with Gwen talking about how the night was full of "unexpected couples" while shooting pointed looks at Annie and Henry. That's when Alexandra decided the spotlight belonged to her. "Well," she said