Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 207 Nathaniel's POV If I thought Annabelle had been acting strange before the Franconians arrived. What happened during dinner left me completely thrown. The three representatives from Blackwell Estate, Peter, the family patriarch, his son Henry, and their export consultant Jacob were greeted by the most polished, composed version of Annabelle I had ever seen. It was impressive. And maddening. For the next two hours, she ran the table, not just held her own. She led with a confidence that reminded me exactly why Christian had insisted she come to London.

When Peter asked about Vintara's launch in Verdania, she spoke with genuine passion about organic wines. Enough to captivate all three men. When Henry questioned cultural differences between Euradian and Verdanian consumers, she delivered smart insights and practical examples. What stunned me most was how she managed to be charming and professional at the same time. She laughed at acob's jokes, asked sharp questions about the Blackwell vineyards, and showed real knowledge about the global Wine market. "Ms. Bennett," Peter said at one point.

"You have a fascinating perspective on market expansion. How did you develop such expertise?" Annabelle smiled her first real smile of the night. And something in my chest tightened. "I'm actually very new to this world," she said. "I started learning about wine only a few months ago, when I joined the Kensington family through my sister's marriage. But I had wonderful mentors, and I discovered I have a knack for understanding markets. And through all of this, she ignored me almost completely. She answered when I directed something at her.

and touched in an airplane bathroom. Peter, Henry, and Jacob were clearly impressed. They asked more questions about the Verdanian market, explored partnership possibilities. By the end of the night, they obviously saw her as a valuable addition to the team. "I hope we work together again," Henry said as he shook her

the Franconian finally left at ten thirty, we were alone for the first time since before the dinner. And all nce she had shown did nothing to hide the fact that she was still treating

mean." She avoided my eyes, slipping the documents into her folder. "You know exactly what I mean." I leaned in. "For two hours you were warm, natural, engaging with them. With me, you act like we're corporate drones." "I maintain professionalism with my supervisor." "I'm not your supervisor, and we both know it." "Regardless of the title, there is a hierarchy that must be respected." "Enough." The word came out

the mask. "What kind of tone is that, Mr. Carter?" "The tone of a man trying to understand why the woman who slept with me in an airplane bathroom is now pretending she barely knows me." Annabelle went pale. Her eyes darted around to check if anyone had heard. "You can't

to the gut. "Excuse me?" Annabelle took a steadying breath. Her hands shook as she snapped her folder shut. "You know exactly what happened today after the... incident in the elevator." "Actually, I don't. Enlighten me." "The entire office is talking about me as if I'm some prostitute who sleeps with the boss