Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 34

Chapter 34

I led Christian to a more private spot near the windows overlooking the hotel garden. It was a corner designed for discreet talks between buyers and representatives, but right now, it served as our temporary refuge from the buzz of the event.

“An impressive event,” he said, glancing around. “But I’m not surprised, considering who organized it.”

“Thank you.” I offered a small professional smile, holding my posture steady despite the storm inside me.” Would you like to see our new lines?”

“Actually, I wanted to know how you’re doing.”

The sincerity of the question caught me off guard. This wasn’t the CEO speaking to a competitor’s representative. This was Christian asking about Zoey.

“I’m fine,” I answered automatically, then paused. “Actually, I’m great. I’ve found my path.”

“I can see that.” He nodded, his eyes discreetly taking in my professional attire, the new confidence in my stance.” Edward Mendez was lucky to hire you. Funny he never mentioned that in the Association’s meetings.”

A waiter passed by and Christian grabbed two glasses, offering me one. I accepted more to keep my hands busy than out of a real desire to taste the wine.

“I started almost two months ago, during my refresher course.”

“Convenient for him,” Christian remarked, watching me over the rim of his glass.

I frowned.

“What do you mean?”

“Only that some hires are… strategic.”

A prickling discomfort ran through me. His comment echoed my own doubts about Edward’s interest in my ” connection” to the Kensingtons.

“It was a coincidence,” I insisted-more to myself than to him.

“Does someone as skeptical as you really believe that?” he asked with a faint smile, as though he’d remembered something about me from those days we spent together.

The silence that followed was thick with everything left unsaid. Questions about his grandfather, about the three months apart, about that morning in front of my house. His gaze lingered on my face as though searching for changes, as if trying to read my thoughts.

We stayed like that, studying one another, until the closeness began to affect me physically. My pulse quickened, and a familiar warmth climbed my neck-that automatic reaction only Christian could provoke.

“You look well, Zoey,” he finally said, his voice softer now, almost intimate.

“You too,” I managed. “Though a little tired.”

His expression gentled at my observation, as if he appreciated that I still noticed details like that.

“Christian!” Edward’s voice sliced through the moment like a knife. He approached with an overly broad smile. ” What a pleasure to have you at our event! I see you’ve already met our newest acquisition.”

“Yes, we were reminiscing about old times,” Christian replied, slipping instantly back into polished professionalism.

“Three months isn’t exactly ‘old times.”” Edward chuckled, sliding an arm around my shoulders in an almost possessive gesture. “Zoey has been invaluable to our team. Fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and of course…. valuable connections.”

Christian’s jaw tightened ever so slightly. Almost imperceptible to anyone else, but to me, it was a clear sign of restrained irritation.

“She’s leading our intersector event next month,” Edward continued, his tone falsely casual. “Kensington will be attending, I assume?”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify