Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 225 Monday morning had been fairly calm until my phone buzzed with a message from Zoey. I was reviewing the sales reports for the organic line when her name flashed across the screen. [Guess who's going to London soon?] I smiled instantly. Zoey had a talent for brightening my day with a single text. [Hmm... let me think... The Pope? Lady Gaga? Some celebrity I should know but don't? Or maybe... I don't know... my favorite sister who has a perfect baby I miss like crazy?] Her reply came almost immediately: [LOL! Very funny! Big international Kensington meeting.

Christian hopes to close million dollar deals, I hope to drink a lot of wine and wander around with my beloved sister. Get ready!] My heart jumped. Zoey coming to London meant more than killing the homesickness. It meant seeing Matt in person, seeing how she was handling motherhood, and having a piece of home close by. [That's amazing! When are you getting here? And don't tell me there won't be a party... it's not a Kensington meeting if there isn't a huge event. And chaos.] [Not sure of the date yet, but in the next few days.

And I don't know about chaos, but apparently Christian's cousin is organizing a reception for all the international partners.] [What cousin?] [Someone named Alexandra. Christian said she knows all the best places in the city.] My stomach dropped. Of course. Of course it would be Alexandra organizing everything. That woman had a way of appearing at every major moment of my London life. Always flawless. Always in control. Always making me feel like an intruder in my own story. I didn't answer the bit about Alexandra right away. No way I was unpacking that mess over text.

genuinely thrilled to see Zoey. But the thought of Alexandra hosting a party for a family I was now technically part of made my stomach twist. Knowing her, she'd make sure everyone remembered exactly where she thought I belonged. Chaos was practically guaranteed. I was about to return to

get the caution, Hitchcock taught us the most charming men tend to be the most suspicious. How about we find out if there's chemistry through words first? London isn't going anywhere, but a good conversation... that's far rarer.] A ridiculous smile spread across my face. Raymond Burr. He didn't just get my Rear Window reference, he went specific enough to name the actor who played the murderer. And the part about discovering chemistry through

it and started reading. Her face shifted through several

he writes. The messages are smart, they feel genuinely interested. And he's the one who suggested we talk more before meeting in person. That's not exactly serial killer behavior." "On the contrary," Gwen said, lifting a brow. "That's exactly what an intelligent serial killer would do. Earn your trust with sophisticated conversation before dragging you into a creepy basement." "Gwen!" "I'm serious. But if you want to keep going with this, please at least