Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 197 It had been exactly two months since I first set foot on London soil, and I could say with absolute certainty that the city had surprised me in every possible way. London was a fascinating mix of history and modern life, where medieval castles stood beside sleek skyscrapers, and where it was perfectly normal to have afternoon tea while discussing digital marketing strategies. The Kensington London office was in an elegant building in Mayfair, overlooking Hyde Park.

It was smaller than the headquarters in Serene Port, but it had its own charm with mahogany furniture and those huge windows that filled the place with the golden light of a rare London afternoon. When the sun decided to show up, of course, because in two months I'd already learned that the city's reputation for constant rain wasn't exaggerated. "Annie, you're daydreaming again," Gwen said, nudging me gently with her elbow.

"What's on your mind?" "Just thinking about how fast these two months flew by," I said, turning back to the spreadsheet on my computer that showed sales growth in the Yorkshire region. Gwen Kensington had become much more than just a supervisor to me. She was my anchor in this new life, my guide through the nuances of British corporate culture, and honestly, my best friend in London. Unlike the more reserved side of the family I knew back in Verdania, Gwen was outgoing, funny, and had this unique way of mixing professional efficiency with warmth and kindness.

"You're right, time really does fly," she agreed, saving the document she'd been working on. "I still remember when you got here, all nervous and convinced you'd never understand a British accent." "To be fair, I still have to ask people to repeat themselves sometimes," I laughed. "Especially when they talk too fast or throw in slang I never learned." "You're fine," Gwen said with a smile. "And more importantly, you're standing out at work. The reports you've written on Euradian consumer preferences have impressed everyone." A wave of pride washed over me.

the kind of work that made me feel alive-the kind that reminded me why I'd left

office tea!" The café was as charming as promised, that modern rustic style London did so well. Exposed brick walls, hanging plants in macramé pots, and the rich scent of freshly roasted coffee blending with

than I expected," I admitted. "At first I thought I'd miss Verdania a lot more-my family, my routine. And I do. Especially Zoey. But there's something about London that feels... freeing. Like I can finally just be myself, without living in anyone's shadow." "I know exactly what you mean," Gwen nodded. "When I left Valentia, I felt the same way. Sometimes you need distance to figure out who you really are." "Exactly! And the

him yet, have you?" Over those eight weeks, I'd heard plenty about the elusive COO who was always traveling

my tone as casual as possible. "He really does travel a lot." "A lot," Gwen agreed, taking a sip of her coffee. "But he's an exceptional professional. Christian wouldn't trust

on something behind me. A smile spread across her face- the kind people make when they spot someone important. "Well, look who's here," she said, waving toward whoever had caught her attention. I turned around in my chair, and the world tilted beneath me. Nathaniel Carter was walking toward us, perfectly put together in a dark gray suit that made his green eyes