Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 197

Chapter 197

It had been exactly two months since I first set foot on London soil, and I could say with absolute certainty that the city had surprised me in every possible way. London was a fascinating mix of history and modern life, where medieval castles stood beside sleek skyscrapers, and where it was perfectly normal to have afternoon tea while discussing digital marketing strategies.

The Kensington London office was in an elegant building in Mayfair, overlooking Hyde Park. It was smaller than the headquarters in Serene Port, but it had its own charm with mahogany furniture and those huge windows that filled the place with the golden light of a rare London afternoon. When the sun decided to show up, of course, because in two months I’d already learned that the city’s reputation for constant rain wasn’t exaggerated.

“Annie, you’re daydreaming again,” Gwen said, nudging me gently with her elbow. “What’s on your mind?”

“Just thinking about how fast these two months flew by,” I said, turning back to the spreadsheet on my computer that showed sales growth in the Yorkshire region.

Gwen Kensington had become much more than just a supervisor to me. She was my anchor in this new life, my guide through the nuances of British corporate culture, and honestly, my best friend in London. Unlike the more reserved side of the family I knew back in Verdania, Gwen was outgoing, funny, and had this unique way of mixing professional efficiency with warmth and kindness.

“You’re right, time really does fly,” she agreed, saving the document she’d been working on. “I still remember when you got here, all nervous and convinced you’d never understand a British accent.”

“To be fair, I still have to ask people to repeat themselves sometimes,” I laughed. “Especially when they talk too fast or throw in slang I never learned.”

“You’re fine,” Gwen said with a smile. “And more importantly, you’re standing out at work. The reports you’ve written on Euradian consumer preferences have impressed everyone.”

A wave of pride washed over me. During these eight weeks, I’d thrown myself into understanding not just the Euradian wine market but also Kensington’s place in it. I’d studied competitors, analyzed sales data, joined tastings, visited importers. It was exactly the kind of work that made me feel alive-the kind that reminded me why I’d left Verdania to take a chance on something new.

“Speaking of which,” Gwen said, glancing at her computer clock, “how about a coffee break? There’s that new café around the corner everyone’s raving about. Apparently, they have the best croissants in London.”

“Sold,” I said immediately, closing my laptop. “I need sugar and caffeine to survive the rest of the afternoon. I can’t drink another cup of that office tea!”

The café was as charming as promised, that modern rustic style London did so well. Exposed brick walls, hanging plants in macramé pots, and the rich scent of freshly roasted coffee blending with the sweetness of pastries. We managed to grab a table by the window, where we could watch the endless rhythm of the street outside.

“So,” Gwen said, stirring her cappuccino, “are you starting to feel at home?”

“More than I expected,” I admitted. “At first I thought I’d miss Verdania a lot more-my family, my routine. And I do. Especially Zoey. But there’s something about London that feels… freeing. Like I can finally just be myself, without living in anyone’s shadow.”

“I know exactly what you mean,” Gwen nodded. “When I left Valentia, I felt the same way. Sometimes you need distance to figure out who you really are.”

“Exactly! And the work’s been amazing. I’m learning so much about international markets, negotiations, how to

adapt a brand to different cultures…”

“Speaking of which,” Gwen interrupted, a small smile tugging at her lips, “the COO finally got back from his trips. You haven’t met him yet, have you?”

Over those eight weeks, I’d heard plenty about the elusive COO who was always traveling across Euradia, forming partnerships in Franconia, Eisenwald, and just about everywhere else. I knew he was English, unusually young for the position, and highly respected in the international wine industry. I also knew that sooner or later, I’d probably be working closely with him as my role in the company grew.

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