Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 145 I never thought it was humanly possible to uproot an entire life in less than twenty-four hours. But there I was, staring out the window of a private jet as Solara Bay shrank beneath us, my whole world reduced to a few suitcases packed away in the cargo hold. We'd managed to pack everything in a single day-a feat that still felt surreal. Christian had hired a professional moving team that worked like an army of ants, boxing up every item, every memory, every tiny piece of the life I'd built in that small apartment.

We handed the keys back to the landlord, with Christian barely blinking at the early- termination fees (or the suspicious red wine stains on the wall). When the man tried to argue about penalties and clauses, Christian simply pulled out his phone, made a transfer big enough to shut him up instantly, and that was that. And just like that, my life fit neatly into the belly of a jet, carrying me toward a mansion in Highridge Valley I'd soon have to learn to call home. Leaving my independence behind was harder than I'd expected.

I'd always been proud of my autonomy-of having my own money, my own space, my own identity outside of anyone else. Depending entirely on Christian, no matter how much I loved him, triggered a quiet panic I tried hard to ignore. But honestly, what had my life been lately? Endless job hunting, opportunities slipping away for no reason, interviewers suddenly going cold. And now, being pregnant, my chances of landing anything worthwhile were slim to none. What company would hire a woman they knew would go on maternity leave in a few months?

Maybe this move really was a blessing in disguise-a forced fresh start, in a safer, more controlled place. I glanced over at Christian, still focused on his laptop even mid-flight. He'd spent the entire morning on calls with Joseph, coordinating our arrival and tightening security around the estate. "What's going through your head?" he asked, catching my gaze. "How completely my life has changed in a matter of hours," I admitted. "Yesterday morning, I was drinking coffee in our kitchen, stressing about finding a job. Now I'm flying on a private jet to live indefinitely in a mansion.

toward me. "Are you regretting it?" "No," I said right away. "Just... processing. It's a lot, all at once." "I know," he said softly, reaching for my hand. "But when you're ready, we can bring your family too. Your parents, Annabelle, Matthew-they could all have a safer, more comfortable life on the estate." The thought warmed my heart. I pictured my parents living without financial stress, Annie finally having real opportunities, Matthew maybe even working for the Kensington company.

rooted there. Having you living there, building our life together-it's everything

empty, but peaceful. Joseph was waiting at the entrance of the house, leaning on his elegant cane, a wide smile lighting up his face. He looked younger somehow, more alive than the last time I'd seen him. "My dear ones!" he exclaimed, pulling us both into a surprisingly strong embrace. "How I've missed you!" "We missed you too, Grandpa," I said, using the affectionate nickname he'd insisted I call him. The

let myself breathe. This wasn't just an escape. It was a refuge. When night fell, we gathered in the grand dining room for what Joseph proudly called

glass of wine with a gleam in his eyes, "I didn't expect to have you back so soon, Zoey. But I can't tell you how happy it makes me." "Actually, Grandpa," Christian said, exchanging a quick look with me, "we have two wonderful surprises to share with you tonight." Joseph's face lit up with curiosity and delight.