Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 239

Chapter 239

Alexandra’s mansion was even more impressive than I’d imagined. Set in one of London’s most exclusive neighborhoods, it was the kind of place you saw in architecture magazines or in the dreams of people with far more realistic budgets. Henry was waiting for me at the entrance. He looked flawless in a tux that could’ve been tailored just for him. He held two glasses of champagne.

“You look stunning,” he said as I reached him, offering one of the glasses with a warm smile.

“Thank you,” I replied, taking the champagne and trying to pretend my heels weren’t already killing me.

Henry held the door open with that effortless politeness that seemed baked into him since childhood. It was the kind of gesture that should’ve made me melt. Instead, it just made me grateful for basic manners. Nothing more.

Inside, the mansion was breathtaking. A massive crystal chandelier. Marble staircase. White flowers arranged with absurd precision. Servers walking around with trays of canapés that probably cost more than my daily paycheck. It was opulence designed for social pages and optics. Not for genuine celebration.

“Impressive,” I said, taking in the gold detailing on almost everything.

“Alexandra certainly didn’t hold back,” Henry agreed. “Though I admit I prefer more… intimate settings. But for business, I suppose extravagance has its purpose.”

We stepped into the main hall. The party was already in full swing. The first thing I noticed was how Zoey and Christian naturally drew attention. They didn’t try. It was simply who they were. Christian with that commanding presence of a successful CEO. Zoey with her elegance that managed to be both refined and warm. They were speaking with a group of Euradian investors, and I could see everyone leaning in, genuinely engaged.

Then my eyes landed on Nate and Alexandra across the room. They were drawing attention too. But in a completely different way. Alexandra wore a stunning red dress that looked chosen specifically for photographs. Every move she made. The way she held her glass. How she touched Nate’s arm. The tilt of her head when she laughed. It all felt calculated to project a “power couple” image. It was theatrical. And it worked. But it also made me uncomfortable for reasons I didn’t want to unpack.

What bothered me more was how natural it looked between them. Nate fit the role easily. Responding to Alexandra’s touches with perfectly timed smiles. Shifting his stance for the discreet photos people were taking. It was like watching a well-rehearsed performance. They knew exactly which characters to play. And the most frustrating part was how good they looked together. Her with her polished sophistication. Him with that grounded strength that made any woman feel instantly safe. They were exactly what everyone expected. Power. Elegance. Success wrapped in a picture-perfect package.

“The hall is beautiful,” Henry said, following my gaze. “Alexandra truly has a gift for events.”

“She does,” I agreed, trying to sound casual.

And that’s when it happened. In the middle of the crowd, the chatter, the music, Nate looked my way. Our eyes locked for a few seconds. The intensity hit me hard despite the distance. Something in his expression knocked the air out of me.

I turned away fast. Focusing on Henry, who was saying something about the wine selection.

“…excellent Maravian wine. Have you ever tried wines from the Dionysus Valley?”

“Sorry,” I said, pulling myself together. “Can you repeat that?”

“Annie,” Henry said gently, brushing my arm in a light, considerate touch. “Are you sure you’re alright? You seem a little… distant.”

“Sorry,” I said, honestly. “These kinds of events make me a bit anxious sometimes. Too many people. Too much social pressure.”

“How about we grab a glass of wine and talk out on one of the terraces? The fresh air might help. And we could hear each other without all this noise.”

“That would be great,” I said, grateful for the escape from the main hall.

As we walked toward the terrace, I couldn’t help glancing back at Nate and Alexandra. She touched his arm again, tilting her head with that polished, camera-ready smile I’d seen a dozen times already. Nate smiled back, polite as ever. But even from across the room, something about it looked mechanical.

Why did it bother me so much? Henry was everything I claimed to want in a man. He was polite, smart, successful, and genuinely interested in getting to know me. So why was I watching someone else instead of enjoying the company of the man right beside me?

I took a deep breath as we stepped onto the terrace, determined to enjoy the night and push aside feelings I had no control over. Henry deserved my full attention. And I deserved a real chance at something good.

Even if my heart wasn’t fully convinced yet.