Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 239 Alexandra's mansion was even more impressive than I'd imagined. Set in one of London's most exclusive neighborhoods, it was the kind of place you saw in architecture magazines or in the dreams of people with far more realistic budgets. Henry was waiting for me at the entrance. He looked flawless in a tux that could've been tailored just for him. He held two glasses of champagne. "You look stunning," he said as I reached him, offering one of the glasses with a warm smile. "Thank you," I replied, taking the champagne and trying to pretend my heels weren't already killing me.

Henry held the door open with that effortless politeness that seemed baked into him since childhood. It was the kind of gesture that should've made me melt. Instead, it just made me grateful for basic manners. Nothing more. Inside, the mansion was breathtaking. A massive crystal chandelier. Marble staircase. White flowers arranged with absurd precision. Servers walking around with trays of canapés that probably cost more than my daily paycheck. It was opulence designed for social pages and optics. Not for genuine celebration.

"Impressive," I said, taking in the gold detailing on almost everything. "Alexandra certainly didn't hold back," Henry agreed. "Though I admit I prefer more... intimate settings. But for business, I suppose extravagance has its purpose." We stepped into the main hall. The party was already in full swing. The first thing I noticed was how Zoey and Christian naturally drew attention. They didn't try. It was simply who they were. Christian with that commanding presence of a successful CEO. Zoey with her elegance that managed to be both refined and warm.

They were speaking with a group of Euradian investors, and I could see everyone leaning in, genuinely engaged. Then my eyes landed on Nate and Alexandra across the room. They were drawing attention too. But in a completely different way. Alexandra wore a stunning red dress that looked chosen specifically for photographs. Every move she made. The way she held her glass. How she touched Nate's arm. The tilt of her head when she laughed. It all felt calculated to project a "power couple" image. It was theatrical. And it worked.

people were taking. It was like watching a well-rehearsed performance. They knew exactly which characters

chatter, the music, Nate looked my way. Our eyes locked for a few seconds. The intensity hit me hard despite the distance. Something in his expression knocked the air out of me. I turned away

that?" Henry gave me a patient smile. "I was talking about Maravian wines. But you seem a bit distracted. Are you alright?" "Yes. It's just... a lot of people, a lot going on," I lied. "Sometimes I feel a little lost at events like this." "It's completely understandable." As Henry kept talking, polite and genuinely engaged, I caught myself making comparisons I didn't want to

He wasn't pushy like a few of my app matches. He didn't drop those subtle, disrespectful comments David always made. Henry was natural, respectful, and curious about my thoughts in a way that felt real. It was almost frustrating how perfect he was on paper. When he talked about wine, he knew what he was saying without sounding pretentious. When he asked about my family, he showed interest without crossing lines.

instantly. The kind of man my mom would love to meet. The kind who made any relationship look grown-up and steady. So why did it feel like I was trying to convince myself instead of simply feeling it? Why wasn't there that flutter in my stomach? Why wasn't there anticipation, that spark

charming, but when he smiled, some part of me thought of another smile. When he spoke, I found myself wanting to hear another voice. Was I broken for relationships, or just stuck on feelings I should've let go of by now? The only person who'd managed to make me forget Nate, even for a short