Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 163

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. It’s the future of responsible winemaking.”

Christian was nearby, conducting a tasting for a group of Caledoram importers, explaining flavor profiles and terroir with that same passionate precision that always drew people in. I caught snippets of his voice-talking about biodynamic methods, organic fermentation, and how we maintained premium quality without compromising sustainability.

“Zoey,” Lisa approached during a short break, tablet in hand, “thal wine podcast on YouTube wants to record an interview with you today. Should I schedule it?”

“Of course,” I said. “I just need to grab the materials I prepped for interviews like that. Do you know where they ended up?”

“They’re in the organizer’s office upstairs,” Lisa said. “Want me to get them for you?”

“No need,” I said, already heading toward the staircase. “Keep managing the press contacts. I’ll grab them myself.”

The organizer’s office was on the mezzanine level of the pavilion, accessible by a sleek marble staircase that added a touch of sophistication to the space. I took the steps carefully-seven months pregnant meant 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, felt disturbingly familiar.

When they heard the door open and turned, the shock hit me so hard I couldn’t stop the words from escaping my lips.

“Oh my God.”

My hand flew to my mouth as I spun around and closed the door 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 with me just as I reached the top step, grabbing my arm.

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