Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 253

Chapter 253

Nathaniel’s POV

I was still trying to process the blowout with Alexandra when my laptop screen lit up on its own, showing an incoming video call. Christian’s name flashed on the display, and I answered immediately.

The moment his camera came on, worry punched straight through me. Christian wasn’t in his pristine office, the one I was used to seeing during our meetings. He was clearly in a bedroom. Toys were scattered in the background, and he looked exhausted. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and tension clung to him like a second skin.

“Christian, are you okay?” I asked before he could even say hello.

“I haven’t slept properly in three days.” He dragged a hand over his face, confirming everything I’d already noticed. “Matt has pneumonia. The doctors are monitoring him closely. Zoey and I are taking turns staying with him at the hospital, and we’re not leaving until we know he’s completely out of danger.’

My stomach twisted. Matt had been born premature just a few months ago. The idea that he might be in danger was terrifying.

“How is he now? Do you need anything?”

“He’s stable, thank God. But I can’t leave Verdania right now, not until we know he’s fully in the clear.” Christian leaned back, and I could practically feel the weight pressing down on him. “That’s why I’m calling. I heard what happened with Annie.”

My jaw tightened on instinct.

“The situation is… complicated.”

“I already sent someone I trust to London to deal with it.’

“And the board?”

“You’re not being removed while this is being sorted out.” Christian fixed his eyes on me through the screen. And Annie will be back soon too. The suspension is temporary until everything is officially clarified. If I’d known earlier, I would’ve stopped it, but with everything happening with Matt…”

Relief loosened something in my chest, at least a little. Annie wouldn’t be professionally destroyed because of Alexandra’s dirty games.

“Thank you, Christian. I didn’t know what else to do.”

“From what I heard, the real issue is the unresolved tension between you two.” Christian leaned forward, slipping into that no-bullshit posture he always used when he wanted to cut straight to the point. “People are assuming she might have pulled information from you to benefit herself. Maybe the smartest move is for you two to just come clean. It shuts down the gossip instantly.”

“It’s not that simple,” I sighed, feeling every complication that had piled onto my shoulders. “It’s not like Annie wants anything to do with me.”

Christian gave me the look. The one I’d seen a thousand times. The one he saved specifically for when he thought I was being unbelievably stupid.

“Then what the hell are you doing still sitting in that office instead of going to check if she’s okay?”

The question hit me dead center, like a punch.

He was completely right.

While I sat here spiraling, worrying about corporate protocol and workplace politics, Annie was out there dealing with the suspension, the humiliation Alexandra had engineered, and everything on her own.

“I…” I started, but the rest wouldn’t come out.

“Nate, you’ve been my best friend for years. I’ve watched you handle corporate crises, impossible negotiations, situations that would break most people. But I’ve never seen you act like a coward.” Christian’s words were harsh, but I needed them. “If you care about her, go prove it. If you don’t, stop torturing both of you and let her move on.”

We sat in silence for a few seconds. I heard voices in the background on his side-Zoey, probably talking to a nurse about Matt. And suddenly I remembered how hard Christian had fought for her, how he’d pushed through every obstacle until he had the life he wanted with her.

“You’re right,” I finally said.

“Hey sis! About to jump into a huge meeting with Niharan investors. I’ll call later? Everything okay?”

Even my brother was busy. I set the phone on the couch and started pacing again. The isolation felt suffocating. At the exact moment I needed support the most, everyone else had something urgent to handle.

My eyes drifted to the phone again, waiting for a notification from the app. Wanderer had gone silent ever since I’d replied to his question about vulnerability. And now, when I needed that little escape, that tiny slice of connection that helped me breathe when everything got too heavy… nothing.

I turned on the TV, desperate for distraction. I flipped through channels without really seeing anything, trying to find something that could hold my attention for more than a couple minutes. I stopped on a rom-com, but the perfect scenarios and guaranteed happy endings only irritated me.

I turned the TV off and grabbed my phone again. There was still nothing.

he apartment felt lonelier with each passing minute.

I tried reading, but the words blurred together. I tried showering to calm down, but my mind wouldn’t slow as it kept replaying everything Nate had said, every hint of satisfaction I thought I’d seen on Alexandra’s face.

I was heading back to the living room when the intercom rang.

The sound made me jump-literally. I wasn’t expecting anyone. I definitely wasn’t in the mood for visitors. I walked to the intercom with hesitation, wondering who could possibly be calling. Maybe a delivery guy with the wrong door.

I pressed the button.

“Hello?”

“It’s me. Can I come up?”

“You?” I exclaimed, recognizing the voice instantly. “What are you doing here?”