Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 163 I walked back toward our booth: still shaken from my encounter with Francesca, that strange unease clinging to me like smoke. But I was determined not to let it ruin what had been a flawless day. The pavilion was still buzzing with energy, and Vintara remained the center of attention for investors and wine experts alike. "Everything okay?" Christian asked as soon as he saw me coming his expression tightening with concern. "I ran into Francesca," I said simply, watching his jaw clench. "Did she do anything?" "She tried," I admitted, resting a reassuring hand on his arm.

"But she didn't get to me. I'm fine." Christian studied me for a long moment, as if weighing whether I was really fine or just pretending to be for his sake. Then, without warning, he pulled me close and kissed me right there, in the middle of the bustling pavilion. It was a deep, unapologetic kiss, full of pride and fierce love. When he finally pulled back, the look in his blue eyes made my heart race. It was admiration, protection, and something even stronger. "I'm so proud of you," he murmured just for me. "Of this, of how you've handled everything today.

You're incredible, Zoey." I smiled, feeling warmth spread through me at his words. "We make a pretty great team," I said, echoing what I'd told him the night before. The hours that followed blurred into a whirlwind of activity. Our schedule was packed with meetings that ran overtime, interviews that led to even more interviews, and tastings that turned into new business deals. "Mrs.

Kensington," a Wine International journalist asked during a press interview, "in just a few words, what makes the Vintara line stand out in today's market?" "Vintara represents the conscious evolution of tradition," I replied smoothly, the answer now second nature after so many interviews. "We've preserved the excellence that defines Kensington, but with processes that fully respect the environment.

about biodynamic methods, organic fermentation,

to get them for you?" "No need," I said, already heading toward the staircase. "Keep managing the press

holding the railing, balancing my growing belly, moving with patience rather than speed. My mind was still half on logistics, mentally rehearsing talking points for the next round of interviews. But when I reached the top and pushed open the office door, what saw inside froze me in place. There was a couple inside-entangled, kissing deeply, completely oblivious to the world around them. I recognized Elise instantly. The man's back was to me, but something about his frame, his stance,

behind me, my pulse pounding so hard I could barely breathe. My heart wasn't racing from embarrassment-it was from realization. From what this meant. "Zoey, wait!" Elise's voice rang out behind me. Lignored her and hurried down the hallway toward the stairs, but she caught up

sharply to face her, anger surging through me. "I knew you were a social climber, but this... this takes it to another level. And now it all makes sense." Her expression shifted from panic to confusion. "What are you talking about?" "The sabotage. The leaks. Everything," I said, my mind racing as the puzzle pieces clicked into place. "Now I know exactly how you were getting access

was involved?" she asked, her voice suddenly low and chillingly calm. "Of course I knew," I shot back, anger flaring hot in my chest. "I just didn't know how you and Francesca were getting the information. But now...

could take another step, I felt two hands, hard and unrelenting, shoving me from behind. The world tilted. Instinct took over. My hands reached out wildly, searching for balance, for anything to hold on to-and my fingers closed around Elise's arm. I didn't mean to pull her. I wasn't even thinking. I was just trying to stop the fall, to save myself, to protect my baby. But then gravity took us both. ཡ་ We tumbled