Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 136 I was still adjusting the zipper on my dress when I heard Christian grumble from the bed, his voice thick with frustration-and something that sounded a lot like barely hidden jealousy. "It's pathetic," he said, and I could feel his gaze burning into my back. "Watching my wife get ready for a date with her ex-fiancé while I can barely get out of bed." I rolled my eyes and checked my neckline in the mirror for the third time. The dress was elegant-a deep navy blue that made my eyes stand out-but not too revealing. At least, that's what I hoped.

"It's not a date, Christian," I said, trying to keep my voice steady as I added another coat of mascara. "You know damn well we need that information." "Alex thinks it's a date," he shot back. I could practically hear his teeth grinding. "The way he talked on the phone... like you two were about to pick up where you left off." I couldn't deny it. Alex had made it pretty clear when I called. His voice had that same old familiar warmth, too comfortable for what it should've been. He'd suggested the café we used to go to, mentioned how much he missed our talks.

I'd felt awkward, unsure what to say, the guilt settling over me even though I hadn't done anything wrong. Then Christian's tone shifted completely, softer, teasing, and I knew he was trying to lighten things up-for both of us. "Well," he said, and I could hear the smile in his voice, "at least you look incredible. If it were me sitting across from you in that dress, I'd spill every secret I've ever had in five minutes flat" I couldn't help laughing, the tension easing a little.

When I turned to face him, he was propped against the pillows, hair tousled, a mix of amusement and worry in his eyes. "You're impossible," I said, walking over to give him a quick kiss. "That's why you love me," he replied, catching my hand and pressing a kiss to my palm. I smiled and headed to the bathroom for the final touches. A dab of lip balm, a quick adjustment to my loose hair, and a last check to make sure the recorder was hidden safely inside my purse.

that stubborn look all too well. "No way," he said firmly as he slipped on his blazer. "I'm not

that left no room for argument. I'd learned the hard way when I could push Christian and when I couldn't. This was one of those times I couldn't. There was something in his eyes, a mix of steel and fear, that silenced every protest before it could form. "Fine," I said, grabbing my purse. "But you stay in the car. I don't want Alex suspecting anything." "Deal," he said, but I could tell it was killing him to agree. When Marcus pulled up with Annie, Christian

we talked about," she said, adjusting the tiny earpiece that would let her listen in through the recorder. "Let him talk. Men like Alex love to show off." "And if he's innocent?" I asked, doubt creeping into my voice. "Then we'll find that out too," Marcus said, steering toward downtown. We drove to the café where I'd arranged to meet Alex. Marcus parked across the street, in a spot with a clear

can do this?" he asked, his voice low, laced with worry. "I'm sure," I said, sounding more confident than I felt. "It's just a conversation." Then an Uber pulled up in front of the café, and Alex stepped out. I watched through the window, frowning almost immediately. "He didn't come in his car,"

got this, Zoey." Just as I was about to open the door, Christian's grip on my hand tightened. "You don't have to do this," he said, his blue eyes locked on mine, intense and pleading. "We can find another way. I turned fully toward him, taking in the worry and love written all over his face. Leaning in, I pressed a