Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 192 The afternoon sun streamed softly through the living room window as I adjusted the bouquet Isabelle had brought earlier that morning-a sweet attempt to make the house feel even cozier for Matt. Annie was sprawled across the couch beside me, flipping idly through a Euradian fashion magazine she'd bought for "inspiration for her new life, " as she called it. "I still can't believe how fast justice works when you've got money and influence," I said, arranging the last few petals in the vase.

"In just a few weeks, everything's practically wrapped up." "Money moves mountains, sis," Annie replied without looking up, her tone laced with that dry sarcasm I knew so well. "And when you've got high-priced lawyers, powerful contacts, and undeniable evidence, the justice system suddenly runs like a well-oiled machine." She wasn't wrong. Francesca had managed to get house arrest for "cooperating extensively" with the investigation, her ankle monitor now a permanent accessory.

Elise and Lawrence, though, were both behind bars -Elise in a specialized unit because of her injuries, and Lawrence in a maximum-security facility. The official trial was still months away, but every lawyer assured us they'd both pay for what they'd done. "At least this time, justice is actually on our side," Annie added, finally setting the magazine aside and turning to face me. "And honestly, after everything they put you through, it's still not enough." "What I'll never understand," I said, sinking into the sofa beside her, "is where all that hatred from Elise came from.

I really thought, at one point, we were genuinely friends." Annie shrugged, as if the answer were obvious. "Some people are your friends until they see you doing better than them," she said bluntly. "Then they're not. Because they need to be on top, to feel superior somehow. And that's exactly who Elise was-pure jealousy wearing friendship as a mask." "But I never did anything to-" "You don't have to," Annie interrupted softly. "Some people just can't handle someone else's happiness.

my chest. "It doesn't matter anymore," I said at last. "It's in the past. The only thing I need to worry about now is Matt's baptism." "And your sister, who's about to run off to London right after," Annie teased,

chase her own dreams. "Of course I'm not abandoning you," Annie laughed,

voice soft and nostalgic. "Remember when we were kids and you used to be terrified of thunderstorms?" she asked, gently running her fingers through my hair the same way she used to. "You'd sneak into my bed in the middle of the night, all shaky and wide-eyed." "I still

could I forget? You always let me stay, even when I woke you up from your so-called 'important dreams."" "We used to fall asleep like that, remember?" Annie said softly. "You'd curl up next to me, holding my hand until the thunder stopped. You always said you felt safer when I was there." "Now you won't be there anymore," I murmured, feeling that bittersweet ache of missing her already. Annie leaned back just enough to meet my eyes, her expression warm and wise, the corners of her mouth lifting in a gentle smile. "But the storm's over now, Zoey,"

clear, sunny skies." Her words hit me like sunlight breaking through after a long night. She was right. The fear, the uncertainty, the danger that had hung over our family like dark clouds had finally passed.