Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 104

Chapter 104

Christian’s POV

“Absolutely not.” My voice echoed through the conference room, louder than I’d meant it to. “These numbers don’t make sense.”

Marcus, sitting to my right, rubbed a hand over his face, frustration mirroring my own. Across from us, on the massive video screen, three members of the Euradian board watched with expressions that hovered somewhere between boredom and disdain.

“The numbers are clear, Mr. Kensington,” said Vincent Caldwell, the eldest of the three, adjusting his reading glasses. “Projections show that the organic project will require an additional forty percent investment beyond the original budget to meet certification standards.”

“That’s ridiculous.” I flipped through the reports in front of me. “Our team conducted a detailed cost analysis. Organic certifications have fixed, well-documented fees.”

“Perhaps your team’s estimates failed to consider all the variables,” Caldwell said, his tone laced with condescension.

I took a slow breath, forcing myself to stay calm. Ever since Anthony had been removed from the board, every report, every approval, every Euradian directive had felt off-bloated with artificial roadblocks.

“We reviewed all estimates with independent experts less than two months ago,” I said, keeping my voice measured. “Certification costs are clearly defined and far below what you’re presenting now.”

“Ah, but that was before the new Euradian regulations on the import of organic wines from non-member countries,” said Sandra Langston, the youngest of the trio, with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “They were approved last week. Surely you received the memo?”

I exchanged a quick glance with Marcus, who subtly shook his head. No memo had arrived.

“Seems there’s been a communication issue,” I said, adjusting my tie to buy time. “We’d like to review these new regulations before approving any budget revisions.”

“Of course.” Caldwell closed his folder with deliberate finality. “We’ll send all the documentation. In the meantime, it might be wise to pause the expansion of the organic project until these… issues are resolved.”

Exactly what I’d feared. Strategic delays, bureaucratic interference-every move calculated to stall the one project that had become my priority.

“The project continues as planned.” My tone left no room for debate. “Any budget adjustments will be evaluated after a full review of the new regulations.”

“As you wish,” Caldwell said, voice dripping with false civility. “We simply can’t guarantee Euradian certification if the proper protocols aren’t followed.”

The meeting ended shortly after, leaving a heavy silence in its wake.

“That was…” Marcus began.

“A coordinated ambush,” I finished, snapping my laptop shut harder than necessary. “There are no new

regulations. I spoke to the Euradian agricultural department last week.”

Marcus nodded, drumming his fingers on the table.

“Anthony?”

“Who else?” I stood and walked to the window, looking out over the vineyards. The section dedicated to the organic project stood out, the younger vines a sharp contrast to the traditional rows. “And it’s not just here. Gwen’s reported similar issues in Castoria-missing documents, delayed shipments, key staff resigning out of nowhere.”

“He can’t be doing this alone,” Marcus said, joining me by the window. “He must have help. Someone with access. I’ll tighten system security and check who accessed the original reports before these so-called ‘ revisions.'”

“Do that,” I said, eyes still fixed on the vineyards. “And send Rebecca to Virelia. I need someone I trust checking things personally at the Euradian office.”

“Rebecca?” Marcus’s brows shot up. “You sure about that? She’s great with finances, but she’s not exactly an investigator.”

“Exactly. No one will suspect her.” I turned to face him. “And she’s loyal to Joseph to the bone. If there’s one person who can’t be bought or intimidated, it’s her.”

Marcus considered that for a moment, then nodded slowly.

“Makes sense. I’ll take care of it today.”

When I finally made it back to my office, the sun was setting, casting a warm golden light over the vineyards. I sank heavily into my chair, exhaustion settling deep into my bones. Days like this, which were full of political games and calculated manipulation, always made me question if it was worth it. If the family legacy, with all its tangled loyalties and costs, was really something worth fighting for.

My eyes drifted to the framed photo on my desk. It was a gift from Joseph after the wedding. Zoey and I on the day of the ceremony. Her eyes bright with defiance and something softer, her makeshift dress turning what should’ve been a disaster into something unforgettable. My face, usually so controlled, open and unguarded in a way that still caught me off guard.

Before I could overthink it, I grabbed my phone and dialed the number that had become the most familiar one on my call log.

Three rings later, her voice filled the line.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify